Week 35 - Tim White - The Wind Ran Out of Breath

The Wind Ran Out of Breath

Today, I want to share some reflections on a beautiful piece of scripture from Mark 4:35-41, using The Message paraphrase. I absolutely love the title given to this section: "The wind ran out of breath.".

In this passage, Jesus and His disciples are crossing the sea when a massive storm hits. Waves are pouring into the boat, threatening to sink it, yet Jesus is fast asleep on a pillow in the stern. Terrified, the disciples wake Him, crying out, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?". Jesus wakes up, tells the wind to pipe down, and commands the sea to settle. Instantly, the wind runs out of breath, and the water becomes as smooth as glass. He then gently reprimands them for their lack of faith, leaving them in absolute awe of His power.

It’s a powerful story, but it makes me think: What about the times He doesn't calm the storm?.

This reminds me of an anniversary trip my wife and I took on Lake Guntersville. We were out on a 55-foot yacht when the wind began to pick up. Our captain noticed an approaching storm on the weather radar, but instead of rushing around in a panic, he calmly went around the cabin closing canopies and windows, preparing the vessel. When the storm finally hit, he didn't stop the boat; he simply slowed down and steered directly into the wind and waves. Because he was fearless and calm, my wife and I felt no panic at all, and we safely rode out the storm until it passed.

I believe that is exactly what the Holy Spirit does for us. He sees the storms approaching in our lives and quietly begins preparing us for them. When the trial hits, He doesn't always take it away. Instead, if we submit to Him, He will guide us, steer us clear of hidden dangers, and pilot us safely through.

Admittedly, I don't always get this right. There are times I think I can handle the storm better on my own, and I end up making a complete mess of things. But when I cry out to God, He never leaves me to fend for myself. He is a loving Father who is always listening and ready to come to our rescue.

The next time you find yourself facing a storm and God chooses not to calm the weather around you, I encourage you to rest in Him. It may be chaotic on the outside, but we can experience perfect calmness on the inside if we simply take our hands off the wheel and let the Holy Spirit take control.