Surely Elsa was not the worst storm you've been through. Mark 4:35-41 tells the account of a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee. Seaworthy fishermen no doubt accustomed to storms feared for their lives, so this one must have been fierce. Certain of their demise they awakened Jesus, asleep in their boat. They were surprised at His calming of the storm, yet they were still terrified. The sudden storm and sudden stillness was overwhelming. They were in fearful awe of the One who possessed authority to rebuke both the waves and themselves. Has God ever blown away your concept of Him by a display of His power?

Have you ever been concerned when it looks like God is sleeping and ignoring a "storm" that threatens to overtake you? The lesson in this verse is that even when Jesus LEADS us "through the valley of the shadow of death", we should fear no evil, for HE IS WITH US. We too can rest in faith during the storm. Our boat isn't going down, because Jesus is on board!

Another storm will soon be coming. If you feel you are not properly equipped to face the next "storm" in your life, contact Rev. Carlea Jordan to learn more about Mt. Zion's biblical studies offerings.