UNCHARTED WATERS

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.” - Mark 4:37

Sometimes we bemoan the boring routine of life --- until uncertainty arrives. When uncertainty clouds our days, we silently pray for a return to the boring routine. While much of our lives would fall into the category of a boring routine, we must confess that uncertainty does come at times. When we face uncertainty, we get uncomfortable because we cannot control events. What we fail to admit is that we really can't control events when everything seems calm and normal. God is the only One in control of events.

Uncertainty forces us to rely more upon God. When you face unemployment or a battery of medical tests, you are forced to look for supernatural intervention.

The disciples faced great uncertainty as they sailed into a mighty storm. Most of these men knew how to sail. They had experience navigating the waters. Yet when their ship was filled with water, their uncertainty turned to panic.

Jesus would eventually chide the disciples for their lack of faith. Sadly, we must confess we've responded to circumstances like they did. How many times have you faced uncharted waters in panic mode? When uncertainty overshadows our lives, we tend to gravitate towards fear.

Why was the disciples' fear unnecessary? Let me give you a few reasons:

1. THE PROMISE OF THE LORD

The first reason that their fear was unnecessary was because Jesus said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” The journey began with the word of the Lord. In a sense, His words were a promise. They were going pass over “unto the other side.” If they failed to reach the other side it would be because Jesus was wrong with His word. Obviously, the Word of the Lord never fails.

When we go through the uncharted waters of uncertainty, you can go to God's Word for help. There is nothing more precious than the promises of God. The old hymn gloriously states,

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

2. THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

The second reason their fear was unnecessary was because Jesus was on board the ship with them. As long as He was with them, they had no reason to fear.

If you are a follower of Jesus, He is with you all the time. He is with you in the good days and the bad days. He is with you in good health and in bad health. He is near you when all seems well, but equally as near when you are tempted to panic. If Jesus is with you, why should you live in fear?

The disciples seemed to have every reason to fear. Their boat was taking on water. It seemed like any moment the boat would sink. To show you how much danger they were really in, we must take note that Jesus was asleep on the ship. The things that terrify us do not cause God to tremble. When we feel overwhelmed, God is still sovereign.

David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (emphasis added). The Lord often travels the valleys with His people. He leads His people through the experience of death. Through it all, He never forsakes His people.

3. THE POWER OF THE LORD

Finally, the disciples should have had faith in the Lord because they had seen His awesome power at work before. Jesus said, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” He didn't promise them a smooth ride, but they were assured of a safe arrival.

When the panic-stricken disciples awakened Jesus, He simply spoke the word and the storm ceased. Our Lord is so powerful that just a spoken word is all that is needed to change a situation. He spoke the entire universe into existence with just His word.

We serve a powerful God. When we face uncharted waters, we have His promises, His presence and His power. We WILL make it to the other side. It may not be a smooth ride. It may not be an easy journey. It may not be a glamorous trip, but will WILL make it.

Are you facing uncharted waters? Are you facing uncertainty? Are you tempted to fear and fret? Stop looking at the storm and start trusting the One who controls the storm. We can trust Him as we face the uncharted waters of life.