Jesus Stilled My Storms

Mark 4:35-41(RSV)

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?"

As Fr. Geoffrey led me to this verse, I closed my eyes and felt the wind on my face, and felt the water spraying into the boat that I was riding. He said that Jesus wants to bring peace and stillness into the storms of my life. Then, he left me to pray and reflect on my own.

If I had really been there I would have been surprised to see a man rebuke the wind and command the sea to be still. I probably would have expected my master to watch the storm with me, but would not have known beforehand that He had the power to calm even a great storm.

I have the benefit of hindsight now, as this was written specifically to instruct people like me, of this future generation, to know who Jesus is and His great power.

I went home and read the verse in my room. I exhibited lack of faith, for I was afraid of the storms. Another priest, Fr. Ted, told me that I seem to be okay and not too troubled. Well actually after talking to him I did feel better, as if I could face my storms because he told me that I had gifts which God bestowed for me to use, and people know I have these gifts.

After reading the verse, I felt lighter because I was reminded that I did not have to face the storms – that I had to call on my master who had the power and authority to command the wind and the waves to stop, with His word. Peace. Be still. I know that I have a God.