Mark 4
Are you swamped?
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped… He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” – Mark 4:37, 40
Lately life has gotten extra busy… OK, let’s admit it, crazy at times! Challenges and unexpected requests, circumstances, and demands have swept in and swamped my normal routine. My desire to help and bless and please others has been stretched.
When people have asked me how I’m doing, I have often found myself immediately lamenting my busyness and “stretched-thin” state. Much as it’s good to be honest, I also have realized that I’ve not always been the most encouraging to others, just as my serving has not always been the most cheerfully done!
God gently but firmly opened up my eyes to recognize my emotional state and realize that under my water line has been a heart of fear! Fear that my “swamped boat” is going to sink and that I might easily go under as well!! Fear that all of my control is not control enough to save this ship!
I have often wondered why Jesus rebuked his disciples for being so afraid. Wasn’t it obvious and weren’t their fears somewhat valid. After all, the boat WAS being swamped. But I think perhaps the disciples answered this question themselves when they concluded, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
I am NOT alone in the boat and the one who controls the wind and the waves (my potential “swampers”) is with me. He knows what I can handle, and He wants to show himself strong on my behalf.
Will I recognize that He is with me and trust that He screens and filters events and opportunities for my greater good and for the good of those he may want me to bless and serve? Sometimes God wants me to say “no” and draw the lines on what I am about, but sometimes, He asks me to step up to the challenges and say “yes” with a heart of faith. Will I trust him with that decision?