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In the summer of 2011, I received my student teaching assignment and gasped when I saw the words, “fifth-grade.” Despite my faith, I spent the rest of the summer repeatedly asking myself, “How will I ever teach fifth-grade math?” Fear overtook me, and I eventually ended up at the cardiologist’s office. Thankfully, my heart was perfectly healthy—except for the fear that occasionally made it race.

Fast forward to my assignment in September. One Monday morning, I prayed earnestly, asking the Lord to calm my soul. Miraculously, He did. The principal and assistant principal walked into my classroom as I taught math. I was doing fine.

When faced with trouble beyond our capacity, we often react like the disciples, focusing solely on the danger around us. Fear is our common bond. I fear failure. The disciples feared the perils of the sea. Fifth-grade math was my tsunami. But like the disciples, I forgot one thing: Jesus has power over all the elements.

Jesus rebuked the storm. The Greek word “rebuke” is epitimao, meaning to censure or forbid. Jesus can forbid the storms inside us from disabling us. Just as He controls the wind and waves, He controls everything in our lives that is overwhelming. God loves us, even when we are afraid, and He never sleeps.

That fifth-grade class was no easy task, but somehow, the Lord helped me succeed. I didn’t need to manipulate my way to victory; I just needed to pray and believe. The disciples did the same. Mark says they “aroused Jesus.” Simply put, they asked for help.

Prayer brings God to the helm of our troubles. When we cry out to Jesus, He imparts faith and helps us overcome. As we come boldly into His presence, He’ll calm every storm.

Call on the Lord, for He answers. Even the wind and the waves must obey Him.