Does God Even Care? Finding Faith Amidst Life's Storms

Written By View Church

Pastor Kyle Veach

Do you ever wonder if God really cares about what you’re going through? It’s not that you don’t believe in God—you do. You just wonder if He cares about your pain, struggles, and heartbreaks. Because if He did care, it seems like He’d do something about it, right? Today, let's dive into this question and explore the answer through one of Jesus' miracles.

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The Unexpected Storm

Jesus' Invitation to the Other Side

In Mark 4:35-38, we find a compelling narrative where Jesus invites His disciples to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?”

This sea, known for its sudden and violent storms, becomes the backdrop for a lesson in faith and divine care. The journey seemed simple enough: "That day when evening came, [Jesus] said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side'" (Mark 4:35, NLT).

The Sea of Galilee: A Place of Fear

The Sea of Galilee, despite its beauty, was feared by many for its explosive thunderstorms and gale-force winds. This lake, 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, was notorious for swallowing ships and was often viewed as a realm where demons lurked. Yet, Jesus, after a long day of ministry, chose this very place to teach a profound lesson.

The Storm Hits

As they sailed, a furious squall arose, and the waves began to swamp the boat. In the midst of this chaos, Jesus was asleep in the stern on a cushion. His disciples, in a state of panic, woke Him up, pleading, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38, NLT). This cry for help reveals a common human experience—doubting God's care during our most trying times.

Understanding God's Presence in Our Storms

The Illusion of Control

Storms have a way of stripping away any illusion of control we might have. The disciples' desperate question, "Teacher, don’t you care?" reflects a feeling many of us know well. We assume that if God truly cared, He would immediately fix our problems—whether it's a job loss, depression, financial strain, family turmoil, or marital issues.

Storm Truths

You + Storm + God = Okay

A key truth to remember is that with God in the equation, we are okay even amidst the storm. It's easy to focus on the "what" of the storm and forget the "who" is in the boat with us. Throughout the Scriptures, God has repeatedly promised His presence:

  • Deuteronomy 31:6: "…He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

  • Joshua 1:5: "For I will be with you as I was with Moses."

  • Joshua 1:9: "Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

  • Psalm 23:4: "I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

  • Matthew 28:20: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

God's presence is a constant reminder that we are never alone, regardless of how intense the storm might be.

Jesus' Authority Over the Storm

When the disciples woke Jesus, He rebuked the wind and the waves, saying, "Quiet! Be still!" Immediately, the storm calmed (Mark 4:39, NLT). This act showed His authority over nature and served as a powerful reminder that Jesus is in control, even when we feel our lives are out of control.

Lessons Learned in the Storm

Growth Through Trials

Jesus didn't lead His disciples into the storm by accident. There was a purpose behind it. Sometimes, the storms we face are essential for our growth, teaching us lessons that we wouldn't learn in the safety of calm waters.

Casting Our Cares

Peter, who experienced this storm firsthand, later wrote, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, NLT). The word "cast" implies transferring weight, suggesting we should offload our anxieties onto God, who is more than capable of carrying them.

God Cares for the Brokenhearted

Storms may come and go, but God's care for us is unwavering. He is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit. Even when we feel rejected or abandoned, God is always with us, providing comfort and strength.

Trusting in God's Plan

The End of the Storm

Every storm has an end. Jesus will ultimately calm the storms of our lives, restoring those who are sick, healing the depressed, bringing joy to those who mourn, ending rejection, wiping away every tear, and defeating death itself.

A Call to Faith

The real question we face is whether we trust Him. It's natural to feel fear, but do we have faith that God is with us and will guide us through? Trusting in God's plan and His timing, even when we don't understand, is a crucial part of our faith journey.

Through the story of Jesus calming the storm, we are reminded of God's unending presence and care. No matter the storms we face, we are never alone.

Further Reading

Other Links

View Church https://viewchurch.co
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