Why Are You So Afraid?

Read Mark 4:35–41

In this story, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus during a huge storm. They’re freaking out, asking, ‘Why aren’t you doing something?’ Meanwhile, Jesus is asleep. They wake him up, and he calms the storm. Then he asks them, ‘Why are you so afraid?’

Maybe because there is a storm going on around us that could do some serious damage. But the disciples, they then ask ‘How did he do that? Who is he anyway?’

I don’t know what they were expecting to happen, but I gather it was not for the storm to be calmed.

This moment shows us that even when things seem scary or out of control, Jesus has the power to handle it. The disciples didn’t fully get it yet, but they were about to learn that God can do the impossible.

What does this have to do with the Self-Denial Appeal and giving?

What this shows us is that when things feel impossible, God can do incredible, unbelievable things with what we trust him with. Sometimes, life feels overwhelming, and it’s easy to think that nothing we do will make a difference. 

Our giving does make a difference because when we trust what we can give and do with God, he does more than we could imagine. 

• Is there a fear in your life you’ve been holding onto? What would it look like to trust God with that fear?

• Can you identify any ‘storms’ that are challenging your peace? How can you remind yourself that Jesus has the power to calm them?

This week, identify one thing you’re afraid of and give it to God in prayer. Ask him to help you trust him with that fear and to fill you with his peace.

God, thank you that you are right there with us when the storms of life feel too much. Thank you that you are bigger than our fears. We pray that you would help us to trust you with the things that seem overwhelming, and that you would do things that we can’t even dream of. Thank you Jesus, Amen.