38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:35-41)
This was not just a question on the disciples’ part. It was a criticism and a complaint. These disciples were fighting for their lives, and Jesus wasn’t doing a thing. It’s not like He didn’t know what was happening. This was a small open boat that was full of water. (v. 37.) Jesus had to be aware of the situation. Yet, He was doing nothing. They wanted Him to do something—bail water, row, something!
We, too, sometimes think the Lord isn’t doing His part. We’re fighting to survive, yet it seems like our prayers go unanswered. “Where’s Jesus? I thought He was never going to leave me or forsake me. Doesn’t He care?” The answer is always yes.
Jesus has already done His part for us, and He had given the disciples everything they needed to conquer their situation. He had just taught ten parables on how the Word works when we believe. Then He told them, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (v. 35). This storm was like their pop quiz on what He had just taught them. He said they were going over, not under. Would they believe His Word or be overcome by the circumstances?
Jesus did His part when He gave them the Word that would take them over to the other side. Their part was to believe that Word and in faith command the storm to stop or the boat to stay afloat. Instead, they panicked and blamed Jesus.
Today Jesus has already done His part for you. He paid the price for your sin, forgave you, and gave you His Spirit and His Word to walk in. Now you must believe and put the Word to work in your life. It’s our turn to believe God’s promises and conquer our impossible situations.
