To the Other Side: Trusting Jesus in Life’s Storms

Have you ever been caught in a storm you didn’t see coming?

Not the kind that shakes your umbrella, but the kind that shakes your soul.
The late-night phone call.
The diagnosis you didn’t expect.
The child who’s struggling and you can’t fix it.
The job that leaves you running on fumes.

If you’ve ever whispered, “Lord, are You even here?”, you’re not alone. In Mark 4:35–41, the disciples found themselves in the very same place, terrified, exhausted, and unsure whether they’d make it through.

Let’s look closer at their story and discover what it means for us when life gets stormy.

Jesus Stills the Sea

35 On that [same] day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee].” 36 So leaving the crowd, they took Him with them, just as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him. 37 And a [a]fierce windstorm began to blow, and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already being swamped. 38 But Jesus was in the stern, asleep [with His head] on the [sailor’s leather] cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are about to die?” 39 And He got up and [sternly] rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great calm [a perfect peacefulness]. 40 Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith and confidence [in Me]?” 41 They were filled with great fear, and said to each other, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

The Promise: “Let Us Go Across”

When evening came, Jesus said, “Let us go across to the other side.”

He didn’t say, “Let’s see what happens.”
He didn’t say, “If the weather holds up.”
He said, “Let’s go.”

That was a promise.

Before the first gust of wind, before the first wave slammed the boat, Jesus had already guaranteed the destination. The storm might have been a surprise to the disciples, but it wasn’t to Him.

When you sense Jesus calling you forward, to forgive, to lead, to take a step of faith, write down His promise. Tape it to your mirror. Speak it over your life until it feels truer than the waves around you.

The Storm: When Faith Meets Fear

The disciples obeyed and then the sky broke loose.
Wind howled. Waves crashed. Their boat filled faster than they could bail.

And where was Jesus?
Asleep.
On a cushion.

That detail always makes me smile and wince. Because it’s so familiar, isn’t it? When life feels like chaos and heaven seems quiet, we start to panic.

“Teacher, don’t you care that we’re perishing?” they cried.

Notice, they called Him Teacher, not Lord. They believed He could instruct them, but not necessarily save them. Their fear was louder than their faith.

In your storm, pause and remember: Jesus is still in your boat. Take one deep breath. Whisper, “You are here.”

And when fear tries to shout louder than faith, ask yourself, do I see Jesus as my wise teacher… or as my powerful Lord?

The Miracle: “Peace, Be Still”

Jesus woke up, not because He was startled, but because He always hears the cries of His people.

With three simple words—“Peace! Be still!”—He silenced the storm.
The wind stopped.
The waves bowed.
The disciples stared.

That’s what happens when we remember who’s really in charge of the boat.

The next time anxiety floods in, say out loud: “Jesus, speak peace to my storm.” Let His authority settle what your mind can’t control.

Faith Over Fear

After the calm came the question:
“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

It wasn’t condemnation, it was an invitation. Jesus wanted their confidence to shift from circumstance to Savior.

The storm didn’t disturb Him.
Their unbelief did.

This week, when worry starts to whisper, answer it back with God’s promises. Choose faith over fear again and again.

For Your Heart

• When have you panicked, even knowing Jesus was right beside you?

• Where do you need to trust His promise to bring you “to the other side”?

• How can you grow from calling Him Teacher to trusting Him as Lord?

Remember This

Jesus’ miracles reveal who He truly is. Sovereign, Powerful, and Loving.
He doesn’t promise smooth sailing, but He does promise His presence.

No matter what storm you’re facing, grief, burnout, uncertainty, He’s already spoken the words over you: “Let’s go to the other side.”

And friend, if He said it, you can believe it.

Whatever storm you’re in, hold fast:

• Jesus has given you a promise.

• He is with you, steady and sure.

• He hears your cry and has authority over every wave.

Don’t let fear drown out your faith.
You’re not stuck in the middle. He’s leading you to the other side.