Asleep on the Job?

Bible Reading: Mark 4:35-41
Author: Dan Nelson (North Carolina, US)
Saturday 8 August 2026 © The Upper Room.
Following our worship service, one member of our congregation offered a different perspective on today’s story of Jesus’ calming the storm. 

Usually, we affirm Jesus’ divinity by focusing on verse 41: ‘Who is this? 

Even the wind and waves obey him!’ This time, we paused at verse 38, in which the disciples find Jesus sleeping, wake him, and ask, ‘Don’t you care if we drown?’ (Mark 4:38).

All of us can relate to the disciples’ frustration. ‘Jesus, you calmed a storm, fed the 5,000, and raised the dead; where were you today when 15,000 children died of hunger? Where were you for all the months I prayed for work and doors closed in my face? Jesus, wake up! ‘Don’t you care if we drown?’

Before we doubt what we cannot understand, we can recall that Jesus died on a cross for us. Christ knows that ‘the whole creation has been groaning’ for redemption (Romans 8:22). 

Even when we are so broken that words will not come, the Holy Spirit hears our prayers and intercedes for us with God (see Romans 8:26).

Prayer: Giver of every good and perfect gift, help us. Heal our unbelief. Amen
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Great to see a brand new daily devotions in BSL. Keep up the good work may many lives be touched by God word through this website - Philippians 1v6 "He (God)who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" - Press on God will use this site to help many to rediscover their faith or find it for the first time! MP (Devon)