Facing the Storms of Life
“They were filled with awe, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?’”
Mark 4:4
Last Sunday’s Gospel story, the “Stilling of the Storm,” (Mark 4:35-41) was surely one of the defining stories for the early Christian community. That kind of story—being rescued from certain death at sea—no matter how embarrassing, would claim a significant place in their collective memory, especially for a community who experienced the “storm” of Nero’s ghastly persecution.
The first part of the story brings to mind that ubiquitous human experience: facing things in life for which we feel unprepared: an exam, a job. a marriage, the birth of a child, an audit, an illness, a divorce, the death of a spouse.
These events can, like springtime tornadoes, burst upon us with deadly ferocity. It would be safe to assume when the disciples set out on their “sunset cruise” on the Sea of Galilee, all they were concerned about was “getting to the other side.” Casting off under clear skies, expecting smooth sailing, the disciples found themselves a short time later caught in a terrible storm. Who among us has not had that kind of experience? Seemingly on top of the world and then suddenly caught in a whirlwind of disruption: maybe it’s the lump found during a routine physical, being “blindsided” by an event at work, suddenly you are surfing a wave of family discontent or there is a serious car accident. We have all been there, lost at sea in life’s storm and sinking!
So, what does this story tell us? Where is its good news? First, it tells us following Jesus does not promise a storm-free existence. Christ does not save us FROM storms, but IN storms. Secondly, and more importantly, the story reminds us how to live through these storms: turn to Jesus.
A few days ago, as I was running some errands and mulling over this passage, a song by the Christian singer, Zach Williams, came on the radio and really spoke to me:
“Less Like Me”
Oh I have days I lose the fight; Try my best but just don’t get it right.
Where I talk a talk that I don’t walk; And miss the moments right before my eyes
Somebody with a hurt I could have helped; Somebody with a hand that I could have held;
When I just can’t see past myself, Lord, help me be…
A little more like mercy, a little more like grace,
A little more like kindness, goodness, love and faith;
A little more like patience, a little more like peace,
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me.
So, whether it is a squall on the Sea of Galilee or some other “tempest” threatening to overwhelm you, the answer is the same: turn to Jesus. He can still the storm and help you be “A little more like Jesus, a little less like [you].”
