Principal's Ponderings

I Trust Him

As we journey together in this school year, I am reminded of a powerful story from the Gospel of Mark in the Bible where the disciples found themselves in a storm while crossing the lake with Jesus. The story begins with a simple command from Jesus: 'Let us go over to the other side' (Mark 4:35). The disciples, following His direction, got into the boat—a choice that demonstrated their willingness to follow Jesus. They knew He was with them, yet when the storm came, they were filled with fear and doubt.

The disciples, despite being seasoned fishermen familiar with the Sea of Galilee, were overwhelmed by the intensity of the storm. In their panic, they cried out, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?' (Mark 4:38). Jesus, in His calm and sovereign way, rose and rebuked the wind and the waves, bringing a great calm. His words to the disciples were both a challenge and an invitation: 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' (Mark 4:40). I am sure God has wanted me to ponder these two questions many times throughout my life.

This story resonates deeply with us today. Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in the midst of storms — whether they be personal challenges, family struggles or broader societal issues. We may feel overwhelmed, questioning if we will make it to the 'other side.' Yet, just as Jesus was in the boat with the disciples, He is with us in our storms, in this instance he also already told them, we are going to the other side - a confirmation of the destination. The real question is, do we fully trust Him?

Trusting Jesus is more than acknowledging His presence; it is about surrendering our fears and doubts to Him, believing that He is in control, even when the storm rages around us. C.S. Lewis wisely said, 'Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.' Trust requires us to cling to the truth of who Jesus is, regardless of our circumstances.

In our current situation, whether it is navigating the challenges of education, family dynamics or societal pressures, we are called to trust Jesus fully. This trust does not mean the absence of storms, but it does mean the presence of peace in the midst of them. As the Psalmist declares, 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea' (Psalm 46:1-2).

How then do we trust Jesus in our daily lives? We start by acknowledging His lordship over every aspect of our lives. We surrender our worries, our plans and our fears to Him, believing that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). In the midst of our storms, we choose to worship Him — not because our circumstances are perfect, but because He is perfect.

Let us be a community that lifts up honour and glory to Jesus, even in the midst of life’s storms. Let us teach our children, by our example, that trusting Jesus is the foundation of our faith. As we walk through this year together, let us hold onto the promise that Jesus is in our boat, guiding us to the other side.

May we find peace in His presence, strength in His promises and joy in knowing that our Savior is with us always.

Shalom, shalom.

Chad Smit | Principal