Message summary: Like the disciples we may at times wonder, "Does God really care?"

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"But He (Jesus) was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38). "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

When we lived in New England I went fishing with a friend off the coast of Martha's Vineyard (more precisely for those in that area the Elizabeth Islands). It was cold and windy with high waves and I must say it was not a very enjoyable experience. Truth be told I wondered if my friend, an avid fisherman, had gotten us into trouble.

I certainly would not have been able to fall asleep on the small fishing boat as it rocked back and forth in the large waves spraying salt water all over us! But it perhaps gave me a slight feel for what the disciples experienced in our first daily text as well as the Master.

Early in the disciple's relationship with Jesus they were in a boat after a wearying day of ministry. A furious storm arose and threatened to capsize the boat. This group of experienced fishermen, who had plied these waters for many years, recognized the imminent danger. This was no ordinary storm. They were in big trouble.

But Jesus was sleeping on a cushion in the stern! I recall from my ministry training days that this text is among the proofs of Christ's humanity. I find it remarkable that He was able to sleep during a massive storm that seriously frightened even experienced fishermen. He was experiencing that which is spoken of in Psalm 27:2, "He gives to His beloved sleep".

The disciples awoke Jesus and asked a very pointed question, "Master, do You not care that we are perishing?"  Isn't this the very question we have all asked or wondered thousands of times? Let's just condense it to, "Does God care?"

In Mark's account Jesus does not answer the disciples with words, but with a mighty demonstration of His power stills the storm. In Matthew's account Jesus responded to the disciples with a reprimand for their lack of faith, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).

He stilled the storm. Not only were the disciples saved, but they also learned a valuable lesson and thereby we learn from them. Many years later Peter, using language familiar to the fisherman, wrote: "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." After years of walking with Jesus it was no longer a question to Peter, but a settled fact and an experiential truth that has comforted and reassured believers for nearly 2000 years. "He cares for you."

Like the disciples we may at times wonder, "Does Jesus really care?"  But His Word abundantly demonstrates and teaches that He does. Those of you whose faith is being tested today remember this: God has not changed. When doubt creeps in and you start questioning, say it aloud so that the enemy of your soul hears you, "God, You do not change!" Stand on God's word, not on your emotions or that which is troubling your spirit.

You might also personalize this comforting truth by speaking directly to Jesus, "You care for me." His care is motivated by His love, under-girded by His power, and assured by His faithfulness. May the Lord help us to hide this truth deep in our hearts today because He does care. If it matters to me, it matters to the Master.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber