Jesus asks his friends a great question. And like most of his questions, commands, and instructions, they are for you and me today also. So when you read the question, recognize He’s asking you…
“Why are you afraid?”
Well, how did you respond? What came to mind?
Did the fear of raising good kids come to mind?
Perhaps you’re afraid of losing your job.
Could it be a failing economy that worries you most?
Maybe your health is failing and you’re terrified.
Is it possible that your constant worry is fitting in with the crowd? Being accepted?
Perhaps you worry about being good enough or finding yourself all alone.
We can all find something that haunts us. Storms. Spiders. Snakes.
What was it that scared the disciples? It was a storm. After sending away the crowd, Jesus instructed that they (Jesus and the disciples) go to the other side. While they were in the ship, there arose a great storm. The wind blew and the waves beat against the boat until it was filled with water.
While the disciples where expert fishermen, they became frightened after they had done all they knew to steady the boat.
Where was Jesus?
Asleep. (Does it seem to you that Jesus is always asleep when the storms of life hit you? Me, too.)
The disciples awoke Jesus and cried out, “Don’t you care if we die or not?” (I’ve asked that same question a time or two myself.)
Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said, “Peace, be still.” Instantly, the wind became calm. And Jesus asked His followers, “Why are you afraid? Why do you have no faith?”
Fearfully, the disciples replied. “What man is this that the wind and sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:35-40).
Now that’s a good question? “Who is this man who has authority over nature?”
Learning to fear less and have more faith in the man is what this study is all about. But before we move on, I want to point out three things we shouldn’t miss in this story.
1.) The storm didn’t wake Jesus but the cry of His disciples did. God hears you. He knows the fears you can’t even express to another.
2.) The disciples where trained seamen, and yet, they had to come to the end of their on resources before Christ stepped in.
3.) Peace is always in the storm with you. The secret lies in your trust.
When you and I learn to trust the man of Christ Jesus, we will fear less and live more abundantly.
My online bible study starts soon, Aug 20th. I hope you’ll join me and hundreds who have already signed up! All you need is a copy of my book, An Untroubled Heart.
We’ll read two chapters a week. I’ll post on Mondays. On Wed I’ll post a short video. And on Fri, I’ll have a guest post. Maybe you’d like to share your story!
Sign up here. Also, subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss any post, information or update.
Kristen says
I am very much looking forward to this study! Thank you for writing this book and doing the study! I would love to win a copy of this book! Great post as well. I think everyone fears something. Right now I am fearing finishing school (i will have an associates degree) and getting out “in the real world” so to speak. I am afraid I will not be able to find a job in this economy with an associates degree and little work experience. This study came at just the right time! Thank you and God bless
angie webb says
I would love a chance to win a copy of the book. I plan on signing up for the study. I have always struggled ith fear but slowly God is working on breaking those chains. Many horrible tragedies in my life sch as suicides and murder of my grandmother have led to a very fearful life but I want to break free. I know your book and study will be awesome. God Bless
Angel Parnell says
I am afraid of failing… at everything: being a God’s child, being a wife, being a mother, being a daughter, not good enough at work, or that new job. A bible study leader. I have been working through all of this and clinging to God’s word that He has not given me this spirit of fear, but of a sound mind. With His healp I will over come fear.
Tricia says
What I’m afraid of is stepping forward in change. Making changes in my life through a new job, a new career path that I don’y even know what that will he yet. I say down today & started working on getting a resume together. A first step that has taken me a long time to get to. Now to hold onto Jesus & keep going forward to what he has for me.
Jennifer Dougan says
Hi Micca,
Thanks for this. I think sometimes we can fear that God’s decision on something is best — which is silly because he is good, and has proved himself again and again — and yet, that tiny tiny moment when he tells me to obey him about something, I can hang back and wonder, fearful. Usually for me obedience is fast and easy, today, in this one little area, it’s hard to release it.
Have a great week, friend.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Dara says
I’d love to win a copy! I’m full of fear daily. Fear of not pleasing, not accomplishing, failure, and loss of loved ones. I think it’s over what I can’t control. Which in reality I know God is I’m control but I can’t help but be full of anxiety and worry. I’m ready to spend that time and energy on something better!
Donna B says
Micca, loved this post! And I too can relate to the Jesus sleeping thing! Praying for your study and look forward to tagging along again!
Donna
Amy M. says
I am very much looking forward to this study! I am already signed up, but I do not have a book, so I would love to win a copy! Thanks!
Tanisha G. says
Hello Micca:
I am looking forward to this awesome study with you and my other sisters. I just love your heart Micca for the Lord. You are a good example of Christ’s love. Thanks for all you do.
Tanisha 🙂
Mary S says
I look forward to doing this study with you. I am living out this walking in faith and trusting in Jesus and sometimes I need a bit of reinforcement and/or encouragement to beat back the fears that try to sneak in to rob me of my peace.
Vicki B says
Really wanting to get into this study. So much has happened in the last three years, want my heart to be untroubled finally! Lost family members, husband of 42 yrs, lost job, dog died, identity theft by family member. Think that’s enough to get started. And I’m on the mend! Just need to get better, on my way back!!! Vicki
Lynda Parker says
Hi Micca! I have already taken your study once with Melissa Taylor and I loved it so much! I am also signed up for the “Unglued” study! These studies are changing my life!! The reason I have signed up for this one again is I still have a fear that I can’t seem to get under control! I am 62 and have seven grandchildren, but one of them’s Mom died and she is 9 years old and special needs and with me a lot. I am so afraid of the future for her and well all my grandchildren! I am so afraid of what is going to happen to America! I KNOW HE is in control, but I can’t seem to let go of this one! Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful book!
Melissa Taylor says
Micca,
Praying for you and all of the ladies who sign up for this study! How awesome to go through this book with the author!!! What a blessing 🙂
Love you big and let me know how I can be praying for you as the study proceeds.
Rebecca Garcia says
I prayed, I’m trusting.
I read your morning email and I really needed this today. Thank you Micca.