Trusting God in Times of CrisisSample

# Don’t you care, Jesus? Crisis situations can cause us to wonder if God really cares for us. The disciples were caught in a storm at night while Jesus was asleep, seemingly uncaring. We can learn from how Jesus challenged them. ## From an Africa Study Bible proverbs and stories note: The disciples asked, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38). Many people today ask this same type of question. Is it a lack of faith that makes us fear we will be overcome, even with Christ in our lives? That is why Jesus gave such a stern rebuke to the disciples. When we have problems, we are often confused and unsure what to do or whom to call on. We can share our problems with our family, friends, and pastor. If these problems require professional assistance, we may share with a doctor, attorney, or accountant. There is nothing wrong with sharing our burdens with one another. Unfortunately, sometimes we are even tempted to go for advice to native doctors or other less-honorable characters. When the disciples faced the great storm, it appeared that Jesus could not help them because he was asleep. However, Jesus was only waiting to be invited into the situation. A proverb of the Zulu people of South Africa says, Ingane engakhali ifela embelekweni , meaning, “A child who never cries when in need will die strapped on the mother’s back.” The storms of our lives will rage. We should work hard like the disciples to keep the boat on course. But we do so while crying out to Jesus in faith, asking him to help and trusting that we will not crash or drown. He is with us. ## Today: Does your situation seem helpless? Like the disciples, have you tried Jesus? Set up a regular time to call upon Jesus to help, perhaps with members of your household or with friends. Depending on what is appropriate, you can meet or call each other on the telephone or online.