Mark 4:40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus answers our faithless questions with intriguing questions. Jesus was disappointed at the reaction of the disciples when they were thrown in the deep end. A threatening storm dissipated their faith. Even the bold apostle Peter became as timid as a mouse. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38b). Only Peter would have had the audacity to ask Jesus this question. Jesus did not give them a gentle answer or an explanation that He was tired and hence He had to take a powernap etc. He got up and rebuked the wind and the waves and turned around to His disciples and replied to their question with another question – “Why are you so afraid?”.
When our questions have an ‘entitlement mentality’ Jesus would respond to our question with another question. Our response to an unexpected sickness, a demanding challenge at work, a relationship strain or a financial difficulty would be with an entitlement mentality. Somehow it is ingrained in us that God is obligated to stop every storm because we pray every day or choose to do what is right. Walking in righteousness benefits us. We are not doing a big favour to God by choosing godliness over ungodliness. The disciples were no different to us. They thought that they have forsaken everything to follow Jesus; hence there should be no storms or challenges in their way. Jesus retorted, Do you still have no faith?” Jesus asked them, after all that you have seen and experienced, do you still have no faith that you have the authority to command the storm to calm down?
In the storm, Jesus is not looking for our logic He is testing our love for Him.
Unanswered Questions:
1. Why: Our first question in the storm or a struggle is ‘why me Lord’. Why not? God fashions us to understand His nature better in a storm. For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? (Hebrews 12:6-7). Surrender to God’s will in a struggle.
2. What: In the storm, we normally try to give an analytical and logical solution to what God should do. Faith develops in the dark room as it is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Learn, grow and strengthen your faith in a storm.
3. When: When will this end? Is another question that God refuses to answer. If we know how long the struggle would last it would be easier for us to endure but God doesn’t give us the roadmap, He only shows us the next step. He knows when we are ready, so trust the One who can calm the storm.
God is not looking for analysis, He is looking for faith and trust in Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be calm in the storm and develop my faith rather than questioning You. Amen
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