Standing Strong through Persecution
Finding encouragement, faith and hope in the face of suffering and persecution
Jesus helps us stand strong in difficult times, just like He calmed the storm for His disciples, by trusting Him, loving others, and staying peaceful.
Read Mark 4:35-41
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Sometimes life feels like a big storm, and we might feel scared or think Jesus isn’t with us. But Jesus is always with us, even when things are hard. He can calm any storm and wants us to trust Him, love others, and stay peaceful no matter what happens. Just like the disciples learned more about Jesus in the storm, we can learn to trust Him more when things are tough.
What can we learn from this story?
- Storms happen even when we follow Jesus: The disciples obeyed Jesus by going to the other side of the lake, but a big storm came anyway (Mark 4:35-37). Sometimes, following Jesus brings challenges, but He has a plan.
- Jesus is with us: Even though Jesus was sleeping, He was right there in the boat (Mark 4:38). He’s always with us, even when it feels like He’s quiet.
- Trust, don’t fear: Jesus asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). He wants us to trust Him instead of being scared, no matter how big the storm is.
- Jesus is powerful: The disciples were amazed (even terrified) that even the winds and waves obeyed Jesus! If Jesus can command the weather, then he can certainly help you!
- Stay peaceful: Jesus calmed the storm with just His words: “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). He can give us peace and help us stay calm, even when things are tough.
- Storms come to an end: The storm stopped when Jesus spoke, and the lake became calm (Mark 4:39). All storms, even hard times, will end with Jesus’ help.
