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b'\\u201cIt\\u2019s scary.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153How can I feel safe when all of these things keep happening on the news?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d \\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153What if it happens here?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153It\\u2019s not safe out there. Maybe I should just stay home.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nThese are all things we begin to think when fear takes hold. And we\\u2019re not the only ones. Jesus\\u2019 disciples had a moment when fear was all they saw too.\\nThe storm was raging around their tiny little fishing boat. And what was their Teacher doing? SLEEPING!\\nThe disciples had watched Jesus heal incurable diseases and go toe-to-toe with the religious leaders of the time. But now, in the midst of the storm, while they ran around trying to keep the vessel above water, they said, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Teacher! Don\\u2019t you care that we\\u2019re going to die?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Mark 4:38). They were so afraid that they forgot that Jesus had called each of them by name (Matthew 4:18-22). When fear took hold, all they saw was the storm.\\nWith just a few words, Jesus calmed the storm. He asked His disciples, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Why are you afraid?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Mark 4:40). In that moment, the words of His Sermon on the Mount may have echoed in their ears: \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Consider the birds of the sky: They don\\u2019t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren\\u2019t you worth more than they?\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d (Matthew 6:26)\\nSo, when fear takes hold, know that Jesus is the sovereign God in control of even the wind and waves. He is the One who is always with us (Matthew 28:20). And He is the One who promises to one day destroy all that is fearful (Revelation 21:1-5). \\n\\u2022 When was the last time fear took hold of you? How did you respond? \\u2022 If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are one of God\\u2019s people, who He promises to care and provide for. What are some examples of God\\u2019s provision and faithfulness in your own life? What about from history (Hebrews 11:1\\xe2\\u20ac\\u201c12:3)? \\u2022 How can you focus on Jesus\\u2014and His promises to make all things new\\u2014the next time fear tries to take hold? \\nConsider the birds of the sky: They don\\u2019t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren\\u2019t you worth more than they? Matthew 6:26 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMatthew 6:25-34; Mark 4:35-41'