I often approach life as if I’ve walked out of a movie 30 minutes from the end. I get to know the protagonist, his goals and the obstacles he must overcome. I experience and feel the conflict he’s facing. I wonder how he’s going to make it.

The problem is that the climax and resolution often come in the last 30 minutes. It’s like I’ve gotten out of my seat, gone to the restroom and forgotten to return for the best part.

Mentally and emotionally, I get stuck in the obstacles and conflict, the rising tension, the build-up. You know how that feels. It’s that nervous, on-the-edge-of-your-seat feeling. Is the killer going to find the family hiding in the attic? Will he make it to the airport before her plane takes off?

If I’d just watch a little longer, the conflict and tension would get resolved.

The disciples made the same mistake I make. One day they were in a boat with Jesus and were just certain they were going to drown. Here’s the story from Mark 4:

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

The disciples didn’t know the story wasn’t over. There was never any reason to panic. The climax of the story and the resolution were still to come.

What are you worried about today? What is causing you to fear and become anxious?

Remember that the story isn’t over. Don’t leave your seat. The best part is coming.

Jesus can calm your storm, too…either the one you’re facing or the one in your heart. Either way…you win.