"Master, Don't You Care?"

Editorial by Emmanuel Asiedu

As Christians, we possess the head knowledge about God’s promises and plans for our lives. We understand that all things work together for good, as indicated in Romans 8:28. However, many times our belief in His care and protection doesn’t translate into our response to life’s difficulties.

The disciples witnessed Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons and perform other miracles, yet, when it came time to exercise faith, head knowledge and formal training couldn’t help them. In Mark 4:38-40, we read that a fierce storm arose on the sea, rocking their boat so badly that the disciples feared they would perish. They tried to battle the storm using their own strength, skill and experience, but could not keep the boat afloat. Finally, they turned to Jesus, who was asleep in the stern of the boat. Waking him in desperation, they cried, “Master, don’t You care that we perish?” In that moment, fear revealed their unbelief.

Of the incident, Ellen White wrote, “How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the ... waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain” (The Desire of Ages, p. 336).

As followers of Jesus, we know He is omniscient, omnipotent, loving and compassionate. Yet, in times of trouble, just like the disciples, we still wonder whether He cares if we perish.

I've Been There

In 2004 I arrived in the U.S. from Ghana—with only $500 and one small bag of luggage—to pursue an MBA in accounting at La Sierra University (Calif.). To my utter shock, dismay and naivete, the taxi ride from Los Angeles to the school cost $500, and I arrived on campus with no family, friends, student-loan help or money. For the first time in my life, I was truly on my own.

Then I remembered the promise my grandma made me recite when I was a young boy: “‘For with God, nothing will be impossible’” (Luke 1:37, NKJV). I decided to trust the Lord, and, though life wasn’t easy, He saw me through. By the time I completed the program, the university owed me $500. Praise the Lord!

My friends, when we face pressing circumstances or uncertainty, let’s trust Jesus. He should be our first point of contact, not our last resort.

Emmanuel Asiedu serves as treasurer for the Columbia Union Conference.

Read these stories from the June 2018 Visitor:

• Feature: Growth Spurt
• Editorial: Master, Don't You Care?
• Book Release: Praying God's Heart
• Book Release: Walk the Pathway of Prayer