As I look back at my life, I realize that there is nothing that I ardently prayed for that God did not grant me. All my fervent prayers have come to pass, often in measures and manner that I have not expected. It has been a long way from the small town where I was born to where I am now. And the road I have trodden is literally paved with untold blessings and graces.
Yet, in spite of all these blessings and graces, I often feel that God has not heard nor answered my prayers. It is probably because I did not receive what I asked for when I wanted it nor in the form and shape I asked for. I can indeed be very dense very often.
The apostles faced difficulties even as they left everything to follow Jesus. They must have surely expected some thing in return for themselves. Peter probably said it for all of them when he told Jesus, Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” And now, here they were in a boat buffeted by a squall. They probably wondered why, since following Jesus, the miracle-worker, should be smooth-sailing.
If I but have true faith, I should realize that Jesus does not take away but rather calms the storms in my life. He does not take away but rather gives me strength and courage to take up my cross. He does not promise an easy life but rather guarantees that He will always be with me, all the time.
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat,
so that it was already filling up.
Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
They woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
He woke up, rebuked the wind,
and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”
The wind ceased and there was great calm.
Mark 4:35-41