When our own Chris faced the worst storm of her life,
the assault and death of her teenage son Daniel,
she pondered the print of this painting by Jean Guichard
as she waited for news in the hospital waiting room.
The above painting of a tiny lighthouse keeper
in the midst of a storm is our symbol for the week as we ponder how a good God
could allow such terrible storms in the lives of His beloved,
and how, when we are in the midst of them, we should respond.
The storm the disciples faced was so bad, that even for experienced sailors,
they were sure they were going to die.
They did not die, for Jesus, in an instant, made the sea dead calm.
Chris’s Daniel, however did die, but then, because he knew Jesus,
flew into His arms for all eternity.
The only place we are safe in a storm, says Keller, is “in the will of God.”
Have you ever faced a storm and felt like Jesus was asleep in the boat?
I felt like that when my daughter Sally came home from Krakow, Poland
after her husband abandoned her in 2002,
shortly before her dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
It was then that she painted her painting of Aslan, looking for an answer as to why a good God would allow such terrible storms in the lives of His children.
Most of you are familiar with this story, but if not, or you are interested in hearing her back story, she spoke last summer at Wheaton College, where her painting hangs in their Marion Wade Center, explaining how God answered her question through the painting. On this page there is also an article on this page from last month’s Today’s Christian Living on Sally and her painting.
Perhaps you are in the midst of a storm or significant squall now.
There is so much more in this familiar story of Mark 4 than we may at first see,
and it will help us go through the storms of peril, grief, and loss
with faith and with wisdom.
Highlight from Last Week:
How you are really praying Scripture! There is such power in combining the Word and prayer! I know you will see answers. I see how we are all praying more about our hearts than our circumstances.
Please pray for us in prison today, death row tomorrow, and then back in regular prisons. The women are loving Kathy Troccoli and He is using her to minister. Please pray that the Lord will move the hearts of unbelievers to come, if He knows they will be touched.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above, and why?
- Are you in midst of a squall now? You don’t have to tell us what it is, but we will pray for God to meet you this week.
Monday: Sleeping on a Cushion
The detail of Jesus sleeping on a cushion adds nothing to the plot. Keller says that is is there because “Jesus was sleeping on a cushion.” 🙂 It is the mark, not of a fable, but, as Vincent Taylor put it, “genuine reminicence.” It’s there because this incident actually happened.
3. Read Mark 4:35-38
A. Make observations, looking carefully at details.
B. What details do you find that seem unnecessary to the plot-line?
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
Tuesday: Only God Can Control A Storm
The water level in the Great Lakes is as high as it has been in recorded history. The rock wall my parents put in over thirty years ago is crumbling. Last year I had an ice shove that came within four feet of the house. (Here is my friend Twila on top, showing how big it was!)
I asked my son John, who designs bridges all over the world that must withstand storms, what could be done. He studied the situation and said, “Anything we could do would be very expensive and most likely ineffectual. Let’s just trust God.” And so, that is what I am doing. I realize He will either stop the storm or be with me in it.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41.
A. Make observations, noting detail.
B. What stands out to you and why?
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.”
What do you learn about God?
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in
your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Wednesday: Don’t You Care?
The late Paul Little, an evangelist from the later 1900’s, said that the real question when tragedy strikes is not “Why did this happen,” but “does God love me?”
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
Thursday: One Greater than Jonah
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
B. Note any differences.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
Friday: Jonah’s Prayer
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Saturday: Reflections
16. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
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14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
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Jonah began repenting when he was thrown over and inside the whale’s belly he was sure of death, but what I see in his complete turn, is that his concern isn’t dying physically as much as being cast out of God’s presence. He sees the main lie of his idol is believing God doesn’t love him, and that if he sacrifices himself to his idol he will be truly satisfied. Instead his idol brought destruction and death and the hole in his heart was emptier than before, and he realized God does love him and God is the only one who can truly save and fulfill him.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Lord, I cry out to you for help! I confess the years I found satisfaction in human love as ultimate over your love. I believed the lies from my idols and didn’t see this inside me until your waves and breakers swept over me. How much longer in this body of sin that so easily wanders away from your love will I endure? Thank you that with each necessary battle you are making me more like you. Lord you say my eyes are like a Doves eyes and that I am your princess all gloriously wrapped in your clothing as you are taking my sin and turning it around to make me more like you. Help me to turn from my sin faster because I don’t want rocks in the stream of intimacy with you. Thank you for bringing me into the dance giving me your Holy Spirit to convict and empower me to turn. Help me today to keep my thoughts on you and not believe what the enemy whispers to me. Thank you that you are bringing my life up from the pit. In your name I pray, amen.
Friday
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
I love that Jonah prayed to God from inside the fish…in the midst of our storm/troubles can be one of the hardest times to pray. But he cried out to the Lord in his great trouble and the Lord answered him. Even when Jonah knew that he’d been expelled from God’s sight, he cried out to Him, he looked toward His holy temple. The description of “water encompassing him to the point of death, seaweed wrapped around his head and the earth with its bars was around me forever” gives me a feeling of suffocating which is such a good description of how it feels when going through a storm. His repentant heart in realizing “that those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness, but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. Oh, to have a thankful heart, put aside my selfish, pity party feelings and turn my eyes upon Him from whence salvation comes.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
I am thankful Lord that You do hear my cries in times of trouble. I ask for strength to throw away the idols that cause me to forsake my faithfulness…Facebook, news, comfort, laziness. Help me Lord not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind, replacing these idols with Your Word, making You first place and having a thankful heart. In Your precious name I pray, Amen.
Sharon–beautiful prayer!
4. Read the opening of Chapter 5 in King’s Cross, through the above Scripture, and share what stands out to you.
The extra “unnecessary” details in Mark’s telling of the story prove its authenticity.
5. Share a recent time when you went through a squall and the Lord helped you.
I’ll be brief but last week at work, someone I didn’t know called me quite upset, recognizing their own misunderstanding but still wanting me to fix it. As I listened, pacing the floor of my office, all I could do was pray He would calm the storm in this person. And then He did. I still remember where I was standing when the waves stopped, there was a turn, peace flooded in and by the end she was calling me “dear”.
6. Read Mark 4:39-41. A. Make observations, noting detail.
He got up, rebuked the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be still!” ; the wind died down and it was completely calm.
He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples are terrified–even the wind and waves obey Him.
B. What stands out to you and why?
“Why are you so afraid?”–Jesus’ emotion. When He calms the waves He is filled with emotion because He sees the disciples lack of faith, their fear even in His midst.
7. Read Keller’s comments from where you left off yesterday up to “Unmanageable Power.” What do you learn about God?
Jesus has infinitely more power than any storm, but He cannot be controlled. He did not have to call upon a higher authority to calm the waves. He holds the power of God. He does not just instruct us to rest, He IS rest. He doesn’t just have power, He IS power. No matter what happens, Jesus provides all the healing, the rest, the power, we need.
8. Pray this Scripture by either using what you learn to speak to your soul about a squall in your life, or by using it to praise Him, confess to Him, or petition Him.
Oh Lord, I praise You for being all powerful. I love that You hold all the power. It makes me feels safe because I know that power is fueled by love. Forgive me for the times I fear in my storm, the times I try to wake You to come to my rescue. Help me remember You never sleep. You are always in control. You are always with me. And You are always moving in love.
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
I’m just so thankful for this event. It proves His power over every force of nature. Nothing is out of His control. And I also love the picture that He is not far away or on the shore when He calms the waves–He is IN the boat, IN our storm, always with us. Emmanuel.
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
Before He calms the storm, they are afraid–but after, they are terrified! Even the wind obeys Him. They realize His power.
He does allow His own, people He loves, to go through storms. If we believe He loves us, we can be calm in the storm.
He lets things happen that we don’t understand. He allows us to go through things we cannot understand–unmanageable power but filled with love.
I always remind myself I do not want a God I can understand. I want Him to be so big I can’t.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
Lord, I feel my eyes fill as I write this. Overwhelmed by Your love for me–real, true. Overwhelmed by my lack of faith and not trusting You when the sun is hidden. Forgive me Lord. Deepen my faith. Oh that I would never doubt Your love, especially in the storm.
12. Read Jonah 1. A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
Both Jesus and Jonah were sleeping in a boat that was overtaken by a great storm. Both Jesus and Jonah were awoken to their fellow sailors cries of fear “we’re going to die”! In both situations the seas were miraculously calmed, and the other sailors were left with more fear than during the turbulence because of the display of power over the storm.
B. Note any differences.
Jonah says there’s only one thing to do–if he goes over, they will live. But this is also true of Jesus. He dies to save us. He is the True Jonah.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
The critical factor in my faith is not its strength but the object of my faith. Jesus was thrown into the only storm that could ever sink me. He did not abandon me in the Ultimate Storm, He will not abandon me in the much smaller storms of my life.
If I really let the sight of Jesus bowing His head into that ultimate storm go deep into my soul, I can never question His care for me in the storms.
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
Jonah calls to the Lord IN the midst of distress and believes that He hears his cry.
This–“yet I will look again”–even though Jonah feels banished from His sight, he determines to look again to the Lord.
He remembers God’s faithfulness to him and gives Him praise.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Lord, help me to never forget Your faithfulness to me. Turn my eyes towards You always, that I may see Your face and trust in Your love for me, no matter what splashes against me!
Friday: Jonah’s Prayer
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why. – Jonah realized that the situation he was in was all do to his disobedience, and yet, he did not walk away from the Lord. He still trusted in God to be with him, to help him, to save him from the death he was seeing come his way. The Lord heard Jonah’s cries and commanded the fish to release Jonah. Jonah continued to give thanks and praise to the Lord despite the situation he was in. I loved verse 8 ‘those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.’ This verse makes me see that it is all up to me to be rid of any idols whether they are visible or invisible to stay in the graces of the Lord.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here. – Lord I know that I get myself in situations because I don’t seek you out first. Help me Lord to always be grateful to you for all you do for me. Help me to see what I need to get rid of in order to always have your grace with me. I need you Lord to guide me in everything.
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
I’m still amazed that Jesus was able to sleep through this violent of a storm. I picture the boat rocking violently and everyone being soaked to the bone with sea water. I can’t imagine that Jesus stayed dry and didn’t feel the boat being battered.
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
The disciples are afraid during the storm, but after Jesus calms the storm, they are terrified. Their feelings of wondering if Jesus cared about them or if they drowned, Keller writes, we can relate to, because “everyone who’s ever tried to live a life of faith in this world has felt like this sometimes….you’re sinking, and God seems to be asleep, absent, or unaware.” And Jesus doesn’t say to them, “I understand how you must have felt”. No, He asks them why they were so afraid? This must have made no sense to the disciples…why, indeed?! Their terror of Jesus comes because they realize just how powerful and unmanageable He is.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
Lord, I know you love me because I know that you really see me. My faults, my sins, my failures, all the broken, messed up parts of me. And you don’t walk away. How much more could you demonstrate your love for me than in what happened on the Cross? Troubles and trials do not mean you don’t care. Thank you for your compassionate love for me.
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
The storm in Jonah 1 was so violent that it threatened to break the ship apart. The pagan sailors feared for their very lives, just like the disciples feared for theirs in their violent storm. These were both “super storms”. The pagan sailors shouted to their gods for help and the disciples woke Jesus, shouting at him. Both the sailors and the disciples were making efforts to save themselves: the sailors threw cargo overboard to lighten the ship, and the disciples were bailing water. Like Jesus, Jonah was sound asleep. The ship’s captain asked Jonah a similar question: How can you sleep at a time like this? (Both Jonah and Jesus were not doing anything to help) Both storms stopped suddenly; in Jonah, it happened when the sailors threw Jonah overboard, and in Mark, it happened when Jesus told it to stop. Both the pagan sailors and the disciples were awestruck at the Lord’s great power.
B. Note any differences.
The storm in Jonah was attached to Jonah’s sin. In fact, Jonah claimed responsibility, saying that he knew this storm was all his fault. The storm in Jonah stopped as a result of sacrificing Jonah. The pagan sailors demonstrated a lot of faith in that when they saw the power of Jonah’s God, they made sacrifices to Him and vowed to serve Him. They were converted. Perhaps they demonstrated a bit more faith even than the disciples?
I liked looking at this as in my book discussion group I joined, we are reading Keller’s book about Jonah, the prodigal prophet!
The study of Jonah is amazing, and I know we are all like Jonah sometimes. I would like to read that book also.
Keller has a wonderful series on Jonah, Shirley.
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share. I am struck by the disciples reaction to the storm and their resulting plea to Christ… did they really wake Him to ask for a miracle? They are completely shocked by the answer to their plea even though it is what they truly wanted. They also seem surprised (still) as His ability… so did they really wake Him expecting a miracle or were they accusing Him of not contributing to the bail out effort? Were they waking Him with the intent to have another help bail? Were they questioning not only did He care about them drowning (so why not help) but also did He not care about His own life (so again He should help!). But instead of “help” they get an unforgettable answer to their plea that severely reminds them who they walk with. How often do I ask for “help” but still bail furiously … a sign of my little faith…. when I should know who I walk with and He has the power to command the wind and waves.
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions. It all fascinates me. I love the little history lesson on the king who proved He wasn’t a god by showing he could not stop the waves. Also the concept that I cannot control Jesus any more than I can control the storm….or anything really….
My favorite quote: “If you have a God great enough and powerful enough to be mad at because He doesn’t stop your suffering, you also have a God who’s great and powerful enough to have reasons that you can’t understand.”
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life. Jesus, I know you love me despite troubles allowed in my life because you died on the cross for me, you pursued me with your love, you softened my heart to see you and desire you. You ultimate sacrifice is what assures me that you are near and care … and so I trust that the hard things are somehow necessary and even good for me as I cling closer and become more intent to taste your goodness.
Love pondering y0ur questions about why the disciples awakened Jesus, Diane!
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4. The storm was really bad. The ship was about to fail. Jonah was asleep through the storm. They all felt compelled to call out for help. Jonah was accused of not caring as Jesus was. The storm stopped immediately which filled the men with fear. The men had tried in their own efforts to survive the storm. With the miracle of the calm sea those observing became aware of God as God,
B. Note any differences. The storm was a ‘punishment,’ a result of someone’s actions, it was due to Jonah’s disobedience. The storm was stopped by obedience.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember. I would like to remember the parallel of Jonah to Jesus. Willingly giving life so others would live, obedience unto death (tho Jonah didn’t die, he thought he would).
And this: “‘So you’re the one who gives faith! I’ve been trying to work it out by reasoning and thinking and meditating and going to church in hopes that a sermon will move me – I’ve been trying to get faith by myself. Now I see that you’re the source of faith. Please give it to me.’ If you do that, you’ll find that Jesus has been seeking you – he’s the author of faith, the provider of faith, and the object of faith.”
I do agree Jesus is the source of faith — but I also love your hungry heart as you listen to a sermon, Jill!
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why. I see a prayer of a man who was certain he would die in the waves but he now has hope in the belly of the fish. Does he hope he will yet live? Or is he clinging to the hope of salvation after death? I think he is hopeful the fish is a miracle and a severe mercy. The verse that stands out most is vs 8 “Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.” What idol did Jonah now see clearly as the motivator of his attempted escape and is it the same idol that robs him of his joy in the end of the book? This story must have been told by himself in order for it to find its way into our scriptures…
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here. God, you are my hope. And you are steadfast love. Reveal to me the idols that rob me of both. May the darkness of the storm help me to see clearly what matters and what needs to be cast aside. Give me faith, please. Amen
My take away: although I didn’t get through my whole study, I have been much impressed by staying through the storm. For God allows storms in our lives and He stays with us through the storm and understands our fear. He is all I need and I will continue to pray to grow in my trust and let Him lead me. thank you, Dee and my blog sisters.
9. Read Mark 4:35-41 again and see if you see anything new, or if He impresses something on your heart. If so, share.
Fear and faith cannot co-exist with one another. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
10. Read the section entitled “Unmanageable Power” in Keller’s book and share any notes, thoughts, or questions.
Jesus allows people He loves to go through storms (Ruth Ann right now).
The only safe place is in the will of God.
11. In prayer, tell the Lord why you know He loves you, despite the trouble in your life.
I know you love me, Lord, or else, you would have not sent your Son to die for me. You have saved me from the penalty and power of sin. Yet this world is still full of trouble. Knowing you love (you say so in your Word) me, I am certain that you will always be there for me. I will remind myself of your promises I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33; The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
12. Read Jonah 1.
A. Note any similarities between this storm and the storm of Mark 4.
Great wind and the ship was threatened to break up
Mark 4 Jesus was asleep and so was Jonah
B. Note any differences.
Mark 4 Jesus was with the disciples; Jonah-he was running away from God
God sent the storm to discipline Jonah. In Mark 4, the storm was just an occurrence for faith for the disciples.
Throwing Jonah overboard calmed the sea; in Mark 4, Jesus said the word and the sea was calm.
13. Read Keller’s section Costly Power and share anything you would like to remember.
Jesus said He is the true Jonah! Wow-I have never seen the parallel here. He was thrown into the ultimate storm, under the ultimate waves, the waves of sin and death. For us! For me!
Oh how you love us, Jesus! Thank you!
Friday: Jonah’s Prayer
14. Read Jonah’s prayer in Jonah 2 and share anything that stands out to you and why.
“In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me.
In the midst of a storm, I can call on the Lord and He will answer me. And also that Jonah humbled himself before the Lord and was not afraid to look to the holy temple where his help will come from.
15. Take what stood out to you and incorporate it into your own prayer here.
Lord, today, you know that I felt overwhelmed to the point of tears. I called out to you asking sincerely for a generous helping of wisdom. And you gave it to me. When I felt like giving up or giving in to discouragement, you brought the truth to me. And my eyes were opened to how you want me to handle a sensitive issue on hand. Indeed, “salvation comes from the Lord.”
Saturday: Reflections
16. What do you think you will remember about this week and why?
God allows storms in our lives but He is Lord of the storm. I can trust Him to be with me and to turn my fears into faith.