Fear or Faith

Mark 4:35-41

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Do not fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

It had been a long day. Jesus was exhausted from the crowds and from teaching. Evening had come, the sea was quiet, a boat ride across the Sea would be a perfect way to end the day. Thirteen tired men climb into the boat then set sail for a relaxing journey to the other side. Immediately, Jesus finds a cushion, lies down, and falls into a deep sleep. As the disciples row across the Sea, suddenly, without warning, a furious storm appears. Waves threaten to sink the boat. The wind and the waves are furiously out of control. The disciples are filled with terror; while Jesus is calmly asleep.

The disciples wake Jesus with shouts of, “Jesus, don’t you care if we drown?” What Jesus cared about was their faith. Would they trust him when the storms of life seemed completely out of control? Jesus arose from his sleep, looked at this wild, uncontrolled storm, then said “Quiet. Be still.” The disciples were amazed. The disciples witnessed a storm out of control. Their fear was out of control. Jesus, however, is never out of control.

Jesus asked, “Why are you so afraid?” When those unexpected storms come into our lives, are we quick to shout “Jesus, don’t you care?” Can you hear Jesus say to you, “Child, why are you so afraid?”

Is our fear so overpowering we cannot hear his gentle whisper when He says, “Quiet, be still! Trust me.” In the midst of our most terrifying storm, Jesus has everything under perfect control. Will you trust Him?

RUSSIAN CAKE

2 cup flour

2 cup sugar

2 teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs

l large can crushed pineapple plus juice

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all together well, then pour into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely.

FROSTING:

1 8-oz. softened cream cheese

1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

1 stick softened margarine

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix well together. Frost cooled cake. Sprinkle 1 cup chopped walnuts over the top.