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“WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD DEVOTIONAL”
APRIL 15, 2026
“WHY ARE YOU AFRAID”
“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid?” Do you still have no faith?”
Mark 4:40 NIV
The many voices swirling around in our world today oftentimes determine the voices in our heads and hearts. But, if we indeed listen to these voices oif wordly wisdom, we will suffer a lot of fear, anxiety, and un-necessary distress. Exactly like the disciples in the boat on the Sea of Galilee when a sudden storm arose, they became overwhelmed by fear and panic. The only thoughts that they had were of being destroyed and Jesus being unconcerned about their safety. They decided to wake Jesus up and ask if he cared about their lives. That’s when “He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you have no faith?”
The question Jesus asked in this scripture is not just for the disciples, it reaches across time and speaks directly to us. Notice Jesus does not first rebuke the storm, which eventually he does. He addresses their fear,which reveals something profound: fear and faith cannot lead at the same time. One will always dominate the other. As we continue in these extremely uncertain times on a daily basis, it is imperative that we understand that the presence of storms does not mean the absence of God. Jesus was in the boat the entire time. Yet, the disciples allowed what they saw override what they knew. They had witnessed his power, heard his teachings, and walked with him; yet, in the storm they forgot.
How often do we do the same? Presently, we’re living in a time where all we see is failure, evil, and hopelessness.
~ When finances are uncertain
~ When health challenges arise
~ When relationships strain
~ When the future feels unclear
We may say God is good and even know that he’s present, but still fear takes hold. You see Jesus’s question is not meant to shame the disciples or us; it is meant to stretch theirs and our trust and faith in God. There are things we can do for daily life application to take place:
~ Identify your storm: Find out what’s causing fear in your life right now.
~ Remember who is in your boat: The same Jesus who calmed the storm is with you.
~ Shift from fear to faith: Faith doesn’t deny the storm; it declares God is greater than it is.
~ Rest in his authority: If Jesus can calm the wind and waves, he can handle every situation you face. The question is: “Will fear speak louder than your faith, or will you trust the one who is in the boat with you?” Amen. To God be all the glory!
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie)
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