Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why is this happening to me? I’m doing my best to follow Jesus.”
Maybe you’ve been faithfully serving in your church, reading your Bible, raising your children in the Lord—and yet, life suddenly feels like it’s crashing in around you. A health scare. A financial strain. A broken relationship. A sleepless night filled with tears.
If that’s where you are today, I want to encourage you with this truth:
Storms will come—even when we’re walking in obedience—but peace is found when we trust the One who’s in the boat with us.
Let’s look at Mark 4:35-41 and draw strength from a story that reminds us who Jesus is when the storm hits.
1️⃣ Storms Come Even When You’re Obedient
“That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’” —Mark 4:35
Jesus told His disciples to cross the sea. They didn’t decide to venture out on their own; they were simply following His lead. And yet, what followed wasn’t smooth sailing; it was a terrifying storm.
This reminds us of a powerful but often forgotten truth: Obedience doesn’t guarantee ease.
Sometimes, we believe that doing the right thing will shield us from difficulty. But Scripture shows us again and again that faithfulness often leads straight into storms. Think of Daniel in the lion’s den, or Paul in prison.
Like a good parent who allows their child to face challenges to grow stronger, God uses storms not to punish us, but to develop our faith.
So, if you’re facing a hardship today, don’t immediately assume you’re off course. You may be exactly where Jesus wants you.
2️⃣ Jesus Is in the Boat with You
“A furious squall came up… Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.” —Mark 4:37–38
The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was right there—in the boat.
He hadn’t abandoned them. He wasn’t surprised. He was with them.
This is one of the most comforting truths in the Christian life: God’s presence doesn’t always prevent the storm, but it transforms how we walk through it.
Think of a child afraid in the night. Once they see their parent(s) in the room, the fear fades. It’s the same with Jesus. Even when He seems silent, He is not absent.
Years ago, I wrote about a season of overwhelming workplace stress where I cried out to Jesus in desperation. I didn’t know how things would turn out, but His presence brought a calm I couldn’t explain. You can read that story here:
? Jesus, You are the Calm at the Center of My Storm
Dear friend, if you’re in the middle of a storm, you are not alone. Jesus is in your boat. And His presence is your peace.
3️⃣ Panic Is Natural—But Faith Is a Choice
“Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?” —Mark 4:38
Let’s be honest. These men were seasoned fishermen. They knew how to handle waves and weather, but this storm rattled them to the core.
And so often, when we’re overwhelmed, fear takes the driver’s seat and we say things we don’t mean:
“Lord, don’t You care?”
“Why aren’t You doing something?”
“Are You even listening?”
But faith, even in fear, chooses to hold on.
Picture a pilot encountering turbulence; he doesn’t panic or jump out. He trusts his training. He leans on his instruments. Likewise, we must trust our Savior and not let fear shout louder than faith.
What are you saying in your storm today? Panic or trust? Both may be present, but only one leads to peace.
4️⃣ Jesus Has Authority Over Every Storm
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” —Mark 4:39
With just a word, the storm surrendered.
The same Jesus who calmed the sea with a sentence has authority over your situation, no matter how chaotic it feels.
Yes, the One who commands ‘Quiet! Be still!’ over the waves is also the One who empowers us to endure when storms don’t instantly calm. We see this in Paul’s journey through Acts 27.
? Read more about how God uses prolonged storms to shape and sustain His servants here.
Maybe you’ve experienced that moment when, after pouring out your heart in prayer, a deep calm settled over you. That’s Jesus speaking peace into your soul.
Friend, there is no storm greater than the Savior in your boat. His power is unmatched. His timing is perfect. His word is final.
5️⃣ Storms Reveal What’s in Our Hearts
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” —Mark 4:40
Storms don’t just shake our surroundings; they shake us. They strip away the surface and reveal what’s beneath.
For the disciples, the storm exposed their fear and their limited understanding of who Jesus really was.
Storms do the same for us. They ask us:
- Do we believe God is good?
- Will we trust Him when the answer is “not yet”?
- Is our faith only strong when life is calm?
Back in that personal storm I mentioned earlier, God revealed just how much I was relying on myself instead of leaning fully on Him. If you haven’t read it yet, that reflection may encourage you.
Don’t waste your storm. Let it reveal—and refine—your faith. Ask God what He wants to show you in this season.
When the Storm Hits—Not If
Life won’t always be smooth. But storms don’t mean God has left you.
Here’s what to remember when the wind howls and the waves rise:
- You can be obedient and still face hardship.
- Jesus is with you, even if He seems quiet.
- Fear is natural, but faith is your anchor.
- Jesus has the power to calm what overwhelms you.
- Storms reveal what’s really in your heart—let God use them.
You may not be able to stop the storm, but you know the One who can speak peace into the chaos.
Let’s Pray Together
“Lord, help me trust You in the storm. When fear tries to rule my heart, remind me that You are near. Even when the waves rise, I know You’re in control. You are my peace, my anchor, my God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Key Takeaway
Storms will come, but peace is found in the presence and power of Jesus.
? Find Hope and Identity in the Midst of Your Storm
If you’re facing uncertainty and need a reminder of who you are in Christ, this powerful Bible study by Tim Tebow can help anchor your faith.
Whether you’re a teen, student-athlete, or adult walking through trials, Shaken will encourage you to stand firm in your God-given identity—no matter what life throws your way.
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Shaken Bible Study DVD: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms
By Tim Tebow Who are you when life is steady? Who are you when storms come? In this powerful 4-session study, Tim Tebow shares how to remain grounded in Christ despite life’s highs and lows. With lessons drawn from his NFL journey and Scripture, this study helps believers of all ages discover their true identity in God. Ideal for adults, teens, small groups, athletes, and anyone struggling to stay anchored when life feels uncertain. |
? Related Reading:
? Jesus, You Are the Calm at the Center of My Storm
A personal story of how God gave me peace during an intense season of workplace pressure and uncertainty. If you’re wondering where Jesus is in your storm, this testimony may encourage your heart.
? Dealing with the Storms of Life
Based on Acts 27, this post explores the apostle Paul’s shipwreck and what it teaches us about surviving long seasons of difficulty with faith, wisdom, and endurance when the storm doesn’t stop right away.
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