Master, the Tempest is Raging

 In the New Testament (Mark 4:35-41) we find the story about how Jesus Christ, after a long and very tiring day of service and healing to many of His followers, said to his brethren, "let us pass over unto the other side."  They got into the boat and set across the waters. While Jesus was sleeping on a pillow in the back of the boat, a great storm arose - so great that the ship was filling with water. Can you imagine being in that situation? You, obviously, would be very nervous about drowning in the depths of the sea, and so were they. They woke Jesus up and asked him if he even cared that they were all going to perish. Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said "Peace, be still." At His command, the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

 

Not only did the sea get rebuked, but his disciples got rebuked as well. He says to them, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"

Regarding this incident, I gained a new insight from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in a book I'm listening to entitled "Our Day Star Rising". Most of the men on the boat were experienced fishermen. This storm must have been worse than any they had previously seen. No wonder they were scared! But Jesus rebukes them for their fear. Why would He do that? I love Elder Holland's explanation of that question. 

Elder Holland says that the answer lies at the beginning of the story where Jesus says "let us pass over unto the other side".  Elder Holland says, "if the living son of the living God says 'let us pass over unto the other side', we can be absolutely certain they are going to pass over to the other side. However much the wind blows, however much the rain pelts, however much stress the boat experiences, and however fearful it all may be, it is going to be alright. Peter, James, John, Bartholomew, and the rest, you are going to go to the other side because He said you would. Do you think for one moment that God in His heaven would let that boat go down with the living son of the living God and redeemer of the world on it with all he was and all he had left to do? They are going to the other side."

This explanation really helped me to understand more fully about exercising faith over fear. When the Lord says something, it is always true. He ALWAYS tells the truth. He cannot lie. Our faith must rely on His words and deeds. We must put our whole faith and trust in Him.

God has promised that in the Last Days His covenant people will be protected. We need not fear if we remain faithful to the end.  I love this quote by Elder Holland:

I 100% believe this to be true. I'm so grateful to be a covenant member of His true church on the earth. I don't know exactly what's in store for me as the last days approach, but I do know that everything will turn out well for me if I stay true to my covenants and stay true to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. It is only through Him that I can return to my father. Of that, I bear testimony!