Most of you are probably familiar with the story found in Mark 4:35-41.  Jesus and his disciples were traveling across the Sea of Galilee one evening when a furious squall came up.  As the waves broke over the boat, threatening to swamp it, the disciples woke Jesus in a panic asking him, “Don’t you care if we drown?”  

These days, as we face the uncertain, sometimes frightening realities of this pandemic, it can feel as if we are in a sinking boat during a storm.  We may be tempted to ask God, “Don’t You care if we get the virus and perish?”  Like the disciples, it’s normal to question whether God has abandoned us, whether Jesus does not care that our lives and livelihoods are being threatened.

The story in Mark 4 goes on to tell us that after being awakened, Jesus calmed the storm.  Then he asked the disciples, “Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?”  In other words, Jesus was asking the disciples and us today, “Why are you afraid of storms of life?”  Life is filled with storms and tragedies.  It’s always tornado time.  There is no promise that we will be free from the little storms or the big storms of life.  God does, however, promise to be with us.

The disciples were letting fear overcome their faith. That fear made them doubt God’s care, to question God’s character.  If we let it, fear will erode our confidence in God’s love and make us forget God’s faithfulness.  Fear can also cause “spiritual amnesia”; it makes us forget that Jesus has been with us all along.  Faith doesn’t eliminate fear; it silences it, robs it of its power, and draws us closer to God. 

As Christians, we know that there will always be storms.  God doesn’t send the storms, but Jesus promises to be with us always, to strengthen and care for us.  Faith is to believe that in the face of all the doom and gloom, God is Immanuel, “God with us.”  He’s in the boat, with us, as we go through the storms.  When our world seems to be coming unglued, our ears need to be attuned to hear the words, "Peace ! Be still, I am in control." It’s a question of trust, and putting our trust in Jesus will help us weather every storm. 

During these “stormy days”, each of us can put our faith into action.  Though many of us are physically separated because of the virus, technology can keep us connected.  We can work individually or with others to support those who are in danger of “drowning” during this current storm.  Let me give you an example.

The small congregation in Milwaukee where my wife and I belong has chosen to support or “adopt” a local small business owner near our church who is in danger of “drowning” during this challenging time.  Alan Goodman, an award-winning baker, is now our official church baker.  Members of our congregation will support his bakery by ordering cakes and other bakery goods from him for birthdays, graduations, and other celebratory events.  When worshiping and other activities resume at church, Alan will provide baked goods for fellowship activities.  In addition, members are invited to provide financial support for Alan’s monthly operating expenses.

I invite each of you to reach out to those around you who need support during this stormy time.  Offer a life line to those who are in danger of drowning by calling someone who is lonely, sending a card, or providing financial support.  Think of creative ways that your local congregation can work together to help someone in your community who is struggling.    Reaching out to others in need empowers us and reduces our fear by putting our own circumstances in perspective.

I’d like to close with a line from a song by Sister Maria Teresa, “Joy is Like the Rain”:  “Christ asleep within my boat, whipped by wind but still afloat, life is tried by storm.”  Whipped by wind but still afloat!!!  Don’t just wait for this storm to pass.  Ask God to guide you to reach out and help others in the midst of the storm.

God be with you all!