Trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.

09/21/25

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” — Mark 4:35–41 (NIV) 

Faith that can sleep through storms comes from trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.

Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. — Psalm 121:4 (NLT) 

Again, we read in the Psalms about the power of our God.

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves. — Psalm 89:9 (NLT) 

Jesus is both fully God and fully man at the same time — not half-and-half, not switching back and forth, and not two different persons. He is one person with two natures, always together.

“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” vv. 40b

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. 
I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. 
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. 
— Psalm 3:1-6 (NIV) 

Despite our human weakness…

…He is willing to sustain us.

…He is able to sustain us.

… don’t you care if we drown?

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” — Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” — Mark 9:21-23 (NIV)

…“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” — Mark 9:24b (NLT) 

Faith that can sleep through storms comes from trusting Jesus, who is willing and able to sustain us.