What steps can we take to strengthen our faith during trials, like in Mark 4:35? Setting the Scene “ When that evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us cross to the other side.’ ” (Mark 4:35) Step One: Act on Christ’s Word First • The disciples launched out because Jesus said so—before they saw calm seas. • Faith grows when obedience precedes understanding (John 14:21). • Daily choose to obey clear Scriptures, even when feelings lag behind. Step Two: Anchor in His Unchanging Presence • Jesus was in the boat, even while asleep (Mark 4:38). • Trials never cancel Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). • Recall Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Speak that promise aloud when fear whispers the opposite. Step Three: Feed on the Word, Not the Waves • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” • Replace endless news loops with steady Scripture intake. – Read a psalm at breakfast. – Memorize one verse during lunch. – Play an audio gospel while commuting. • Consistent intake keeps faith muscles strong before storms hit. Step Four: Interpret Circumstances by Christ, Not Christ by Circumstances • Storms tempted the disciples to shout, “Teacher, do You not care…?” (Mark 4:38). • God’s character stays constant; circumstances fluctuate. • James 1:17—He is “the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” • Decide: God’s care is settled at the cross; trials cannot revoke it. Step Five: Pray Boldly, Expectantly • They woke Him and cried out; Jesus answered (Mark 4:39). • Philippians 4:6-7 invites every believer to present requests “with thanksgiving,” promising peace in return. • Pray specifically: name the storm, state the need, trust His timing. Step Six: Remember Past Deliverances • After calming the sea, awe replaced panic (Mark 4:41). • Write a “God-rescued-me” list: past provisions, healings, doors He opened. • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.” • Reviewing His record strengthens present faith. Step Seven: Let Trials Refine, Not Redefine, Faith • 1 Peter 1:6-7 teaches that tested faith “may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor.” • View hardship as God’s gym, not His judgment. • Endure with the certainty that refined faith shines brighter than gold. Step Eight: Shift from Fear to Worship • Jesus asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). • Worship redirects focus from the storm’s volume to the Savior’s voice. • Sing a hymn, speak a psalm, or thank Him aloud until fear loses its grip. Step Nine: Stay in Community • The disciples faced the gale together. Isolation magnifies fear; fellowship multiplies faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share testimonies, read Scripture together, and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Step Ten: Keep Eyes on the Final Shore • Jesus’ opening words guaranteed arrival: “Let us cross…” (Mark 4:35). • Philippians 1:6 assures He finishes what He starts. • Trials are temporary; His promised destination is certain. Applying these steps turns stormy nights into sanctuaries of deeper trust, proving again that the One who commands the winds also carries His people safely to the other side. |
    |