Let's read in the Bible of a time when the disciples of Jesus were afraid, in
Mark 4:35-41.
- Do you think Jesus was afraid of the storm? Why or why not? (No. He was sleeping through the storm.)
- Do you think the disciples were afraid? Why or why not? (Yes. They were afraid of drowning and they didn't believe Jesus was enough to save them.)
- When Jesus led the disciples into the boat to go to "the other side" (verse 35), did He know there was going to be a fearful storm? (Yes)
- Why would Jesus allow His disciples to go through something so fearful? (God's purpose for our lives is not to make us happy, but to make us holy)
- What did the disciples learn about Jesus' power? (Even the wind and the waves obeyed Him!)
- If the disciples never went through this scary time, would they have known how powerful Jesus was? (No)
The disciples were afraid, but they didn't need to be. Jesus was right there with them in their boat! He is bigger and stronger than everything, even the stormy wind and waves! When we're afraid, we don't need to be. Because Jesus is the biggest and the strongest, there is nothing we need to fear!
- Why would God allow you to go through fearful times?
- How will this lesson help you the next time you are fearful?
Remember this verse:
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (Psalm 56:3)
WHY DOES THIS MATTER:
Because God IS All-Powerful, we have no reason to fear what God is doing. Feeling fear is a normal response to abnormal (troubling) circumstances. Jesus did not rebuke the disciples for feeling fear, but for responding to it with a lack of faith. The disciples...
- Lacked faith in Jesus' words - They each heard Jesus say, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). He promised a safe arrival.
- Lacked faith in Jesus' care for them - They accused Jesus of not caring about their lives (Mark 4:38). Even when it seems like God does not know or care what is happening, we cannot trust how we feel, we must believe the Truth about God.
- Lacked faith in God's plan - They knew that Jesus was the Messiah (John 1:41) yet they allowed their minds to consider that God had lost all control over His Plan.
Of all people, Jesus’ own disciples should have had faith. Yet Jesus' question to His disciples could also be asked of us, "How is it that ye have no faith?" (
Mark 4:40).
- How would you answer?
- How can you increase your faith? (Romans 10:17 - by reading and listening to God's Word)
It is our fear of God, trusting in all His attributes, that drives out every other fear (
Mark 4:41). Continue through this series of devotionals, increasing your knowledge of God and therefore increasing your faith through all of life's challenges.
TAKING ACTION:
- Next time you see or hear a powerful storm, think about God's power. Thank Him that He is stronger than the storm, and be reminded that He is stronger than anything we will ever experience. We don't need to be afraid!
- Be honest and open about telling God your worries and fears, and then thank Him for how He is going to show His power in and around you so that you don't have to be afraid.
- Play the "Stronger Game" with your child by clicking the button below.
