God Falls Asleep Sometimes

Are there times when God is just tired of our problems?  Are their times that He does care about us, but is simply too busy to pay attention?

Take a look at the miracle found in Mark 4: 35-41.  I believe this story reveals to us something very important about the character of God.

The story opens with Jesus falling asleep during a dangerous storm. God falls asleep?  Are you serious?!!!

The disciples, experienced fishermen no less, were freaking out.  This was a terrible storm and they feared for their lives.  As their fear overwhelmed them, the disciples realized Jesus was asleep and they woke him shouting: “Teacher, don’t you care that we are going to drown?”  They were angry that He was not taking care of them.

The first words out of Jesus’ mouth are not directed to his disciples, but to the wind and the waves. He silences the storm with a few simple words.  Then, He turns to the disciples and rebukes them. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

On other occasions Jesus taught his disciples that their faith would enable them to perform miracles as He did, and to do even greater things. Was this a moment He wished them to trust and ride out the storm with the power He had invested into them?

What happens when storms rock our boat and we lose faith?  We cry “God, don’t you even care about me?”  Are we expected to wait until God wakes up, or is it possible God says “I’ve already invested in you. He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.”

I believe that Jesus offers His presence in the boat with us during the storms of our life.  But I also am certain, that He is offering to us a way to speak calm into the chaos of this world.

That same Jesus who could not drown in the boat, and who would not let his disciples drown…He will most certainly not allow you to drown today.  He may look like He’s sleeping, but He’s right there with you teaching you – the storms are completely in His control.

Your Friend In Faith,

Roy