Mark 4:38-41 NLT – 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”
Why were the disciples so terrified of Jesus in this moment? Why could they not believe that Jesus loved them enough to protect them? Why were they surprised when He stepped in? Jesus told them a few verses back that they were crossing over to the other side. Drowning, capsizing, or sinking was not in the plan. In the next paragraph, I’ll explain my theory.
Their hearts were hardened toward Jesus. I can picture some of you saying in your heart, “But how could that be?! They spent time listening to His teachings and watching Him heal multitudes. How can you say they had a hardened heart?” Hear me out. They could have taken Him at His Word. They would have said to themselves, “Jesus, said we are crossing over to the other side. What do we have to be afraid of?” Maybe they didn’t expect hardship. Maybe they didn’t know that persecution would come and try to stop Jesus’ ministry. Whatever the case may be, they didn’t trust Jesus and were surprised that He calmed the storm. So much so, that they didn’t consider that He was the Son of God. Maybe in their hearts, they still didn’t believe Him as the Messiah. Lots of scenarios we can conjecture but that’s not the point I’m making here. By them being surprised it shows that they weren’t ready to receive from God. There was hardness of heart somewhere in their souls. They didn’t even think to question the fear. Instead they questioned Jesus. They could have said something like, “Who are you, fear, to stand against the Messiah?” Don’t question if Jesus loves you, He’s proven it. Instead, question the fear that comes to convince you He doesn’t.
Expect blessing from God; no matter how it shows up in your life! “The how,” is up to God. He knows the best way to make His Grace flow to you that will reach the most people around you. Never forget to be thankful for what God is doing in your life. Don’t be surprised but do be thankful and give Him all the glory.
If someone comes to your house and pays off your mortgage would you be surprised? If someone sends a check to you for enough to pay off all your debt, would you be surprised? If someone wants to donate a building, give you a boat, airplane, or a vehicle would that surprise you? At what point in your heart do you put up a limit? Ask yourself where do you draw the line? Truly seek what is in your heart. For with God, nothing is impossible.
Do you believe Jesus was surprised when what He spoke happened, or when He cleansed lepers, or when He cast out demons, or when He raised the dead, or when the Father blessed His ministry? No! Then why should we!? Let’s be expecting the best from God in greater magnitude! Enlarge the receiver in your heart! Just watch God surpass your wildest expectations. Don’t be surprised when He performs His promises or pours out abundant blessing in your life. He is faithful to do what He has said, and He loves to take care of His children. Be ready to receive from God!
“Dear Heavenly Father, help me to imagine greater things in my life, and to take off every boundary that I’ve subconsciously put on You. I believe You love me more than enough to care for my needs. You shall provide for me and however You want to do that, Lord, is fine by me. I trust You, God. If there be any areas in my heart that don’t line up with Your Word, show me so I can speak Your truth over them. I thank You for all the things You have done and are continuing to do in my life. I’m expecting to receive from You Lord, more than enough to pour into Your Kingdom on Earth, and to shine forth Your wondrous glory for all to see. In Jesus’ name, I commit this prayer, Amen!”
If this teaching ministered to you, then please bless someone else by sharing it with them. We need to build, exhort, and encourage each other with the Word of God. Feel free to leave any comments or get in touch with me from my contact page, or FB page.
With all of Love’s blessings,
Aaron Beach
