How can we trust Jesus when the storm around us makes it seem like He doesn’t care? In this Sunday message from September 27, 2026, Robert Swan taught from Mark 4:35–41, when Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

Mark 4:38 (KJV)

A storm on the road of obedience

Jesus said, “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). The disciples weren’t lost or out of God’s will. They were in that boat because Jesus sent them. Following Jesus does not mean we will never face storms. A hard season at home, a scary report from the doctor or money trouble doesn’t prove God has left us. The better question isn’t “Why is there a storm?” It’s “Who is with me in it?”

His silence is not His absence

Seasoned fishermen thought they were going to drown, and Jesus was asleep. The storm outside turned into a storm inside: “Carest thou not?” We can feel the same way when we pray and nothing seems to change. It’s right to bring our fear to Jesus. The Psalms are full of honest cries. But fear gets dangerous when it starts telling us who God is. Jesus’ silence is not Jesus’ absence. He is still in the boat.

The storm is real, but Jesus is greater

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). Jesus didn’t panic or need help. He spoke, and creation obeyed. Psalm 107 tells of sailors who cried to the Lord, and “he maketh the storm a calm” (Psalm 107:29). Sometimes Jesus calms the storm around us. Sometimes He strengthens us while it goes on. Either way, the storm is not in charge. Jesus is.

Who is this?

Jesus asked, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). Faith isn’t pretending we aren’t hurting. As Robert put it, faith is seeing the storm in the light of who Jesus is. The disciples ended the night asking, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). The best gift that night wasn’t a calm sea. It was seeing Jesus more clearly. While we ask Him to change our situation, He may be using it to change us.

What storm is tempting you to doubt His care right now? Bring it to Him honestly. A prayer as simple as “Jesus, I’m afraid, and I need help trusting You” is not failure. It’s a step of faith. The cross shows us Jesus cares, and the empty tomb shows us He reigns.

If you’re in a storm right now, send us a prayer request. We’ll pray with you.

Related messages: Responding to Crisis, Praising God in Hard Times, What Is Prayer?.