Learning to Live in Confidence with the Lord (Mark 4:35-41)

by Pastor Cesar Crisostomo |  August 12, 2018

Mark 4:35-41

In our Scripture passage today, I would like us to notice Jesus’ words, “Let us go over to the other side (v.35).” Jesus must have been very tired from all the ministry He has been doing. He has been teaching and healing many. With the increase awareness of His miraculous healings there were multitudes of people pressing Him, grabbing Him and touching Him. So, on the boat as He and His disciples started crossing the Sea of Galilee, He fell asleep. He was in such a deep sleep, that as the storm came up and their boat was being tossed around, He continued to sleep. Until finally, the boat was almost full of water. And then at this time the disciples woke Him up and they said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown (v.38)?”
Jesus then wakes up and first He rebuked the wind and the waves (v.39) and then He rebuked the disciples for having no faith. But why would He do that? The boat was full of water and it looked like it was going to sink, and they were going to drown. Why would He rebuke them for their unbelief? As we noticed earlier, He said, “Let us go over to the other side.” He did not say, “Let us go under and sink.” We need to believe Jesus’ words that what He speaks is true. So, when He said to the disciples, “Let us go over to the other side,” then there is no way they could go under and sink. Understand that this is God speaking and that God’s word must come to pass. He rebuked them for having no faith because they had His word that they would go over to the other side but they did not trust in Him.
Learning to really rely in the Lord and learning to live by faith and not by sight is critical and very important for us. But learning to trust in the Lord is never the easiest thing to do in the world. Familia, I would like to share with you some of the lessons I have learned and is still learning today of times when we face turbulence in life, times of difficulty and even when we face storms and don’t understand why but still continue to remain to live in confidence with the Lord and trusting Him.

Misconceptions.

First, let us first look at some misconceptions, things that are not true because of wrong understanding about troubles and problems, about storms in life or difficulties we face in life.

1. One misconception that we can have is that the presence of Jesus on board our life guarantees continuous comfort and calm. Familia, it is false to think that the fact that Jesus is on the boat that everything should be alright all the time, that everything should always be wonderful and great. Understand that it didn’t happen with the disciples then and surely it is not going to happen with us today.
2. Another misconception or false thinking is that the arrival of storms or problems in our life is an indication that the Lord’s favor is no longer with us. We think that somehow, we have lost favor with God because we are facing difficulties. Remember that the Lord loved the disciples before, during and after the storm. Don’t ever judge God’s love for you based on your experience and what you are going through or facing in life.
3. Another false understanding is that storms or difficulties we go through signals or indicates a lack of compassion on the Lord’s part. We think that the Lord doesn’t really care.
4. Another misconception is that the storms we find ourselves in appears as if God has changed His plans. Remember Jesus said to the disciples, “let’s go to the other side.” There will be things that will happen in-between, but He has not changed His plan. We need to have a confidence within us that without a doubt that the Lord has not changed His plans. The Lord knows His plans and He will get us through to the other side.

Living in Confidence with the Lord.

How do you and I live in confidence with the Lord? How can the disciples decide to commit their lives to the Lord and decide to follow Him and serve Him and live for Him and to put Him first when it seems that God has forgotten about them? In days when it seems that God has forgotten about you:

1. Remember that this journey of life with Him is the Lord’s idea. I am on this trip, on this journey because the Lord chose me. The Lord invited the disciples and He invited you and me. He will do the planning and bring all the provision as well. God is truly a great Father. He knows the when, why, how, what and where. He will always see us through to the other side.
2. Remember that if you and I are going to walk in confidence with the Lord, then we will need to choose to leave something behind. Hebrews 12:1-2, leave the sin, the unbelief. It is making the decision to no longer live by sight, but to live by faith. I must leave behind trying to see things my way and leave behind trying to figure things out on my own. Understand that the Lord will allow us to feel the bumps on the road of life. He will allow us to be stretched. He does so because it is during those times that He will teach us not to live by sight but to live by faith. It’s a decision to truly trust Him.
3. Remember that to live in confidence with the Lord, we would need to get on board in an opportune time. We shouldn’t wait until we are in trouble before we jump on board with God. It is saying, Lord I am going with you because You invited me. Start now to be on board with Jesus. Don’t wait until there is a disaster.
4. Remember that to live in confidence with the Lord, we must be assured of our destination (the other side). I am thankful that I am going to heaven to be with the Lord forever. But in the meantime, the in-between here on earth, I am in a process of being changed by the Lord into His likeness.
5. Remember that to live in confidence with the Lord, we need to never forget that you and I have the Lord’s company throughout the whole trip. He will not abandon us. Jesus is still on board!

Lessons from walking with the Lord in the storms.

• Storms helps us to appreciate the times that are clam.
• Storms forces us to turn to the One who is greater than we are.
• Storms shows us the power of Christ to bring peace.
• Storms makes us compassionate regarding the need of others.
• Storms gives us an opportunity to grow.