Trust Him in the Silence

Devotional Reading: But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion… Mark 4:37‭-‬38 NLT

Trusting that God is present in silence is one thing. But sleeping? Would you trust God if you found out that He was sleeping? That is the challenge the disciples faced when they were with Jesus in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A vicious storm was raging around them and Jesus was sleeping. Worst of all, when they woke Him, He accused them of not having faith!

Why do you think Jesus expected the disciples to trust his silence while He was sleeping? I wondered about this for many years until I found a likely answer. I believe that Jesus would not have directed the disciples to the other side of the lake if He never intended that they make it there. That is what He expected them to trust.

God’s promises and instructions are not to get trapped. If God gave you a promise or an instruction, He has said all that is necessary. He has spoken and his words do not need revisiting or editing. Perhaps He is waiting for you to obey his last words before giving you the next.

We often lose sight of the end goal of our mission when we struggle to hear God in the storms of life. We are so busy questioning Him that we forget He has already shown us the end destination.

What has God promised you when you last heard his voice? What if you pursue your God-given purpose instead of questioning his silence? “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” (Mark 4:35, NLT)!

Prayer and Confession
Jesus, help me see that you are there in the midst of my challenges and help me to follow your instructions given before even when it looks like you sleeping.

Further Reading: Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 121