“Don’t you care if we drown?”

Tammy Voelker

It is hard to admit, I have sent up more than a few frantic prayers that were born out of a similar sentiment that the disciples conveyed when they awoke Jesus during the storm, scolding Him for not caring if they drown. These very disciples who had personally witnessed innumerable miracles –demons cast out, leprous skin cleansed, the lame put back on their feet– still let panic take over in the face of personal danger. They also jumped to the conclusion that since Jesus had not solved their problem yet, that He must not care about them.

How easy is it for us to do the same, and perhaps more so, since we can’t look over to see Jesus conveniently asleep in the corner of our boat? Looking at how the Lord responded to this rebuke from His friends can give us much hope and an important reminder. He first took care of their need, by calming the waves and removing them from danger. Then, He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” This gentle prompt reminded them of all they had learned and witnessed as His followers. We all are to be        reminded that God does know our need, that He does care about our plight. Sometimes we will have to spend more time in the storms of life than we feel we should have to spend. But God can change us in surprising ways as we weather a storm, if we let Him. Here, Jesus prompts us all to have bigger faith and to realize that during the storm, He is always, conveniently, in the corner of our boat.

We pray:

Lord, help us redirect the energy we spend on fear and uncertainty back into a stronger faith in your ever present love and grace. Amen.