Out of the tragedy of September 11th came numerous stories of heroics and examples of those who found peace and perseverance at ground zero. How can we find peace at the ground zero experiences that we face in life? In the Word of God we find a situation in which the followers of Jesus Christ found themselves at ground zero and found peace in the middle of the storm. In Mark 4:35-41 we have an account where Jesus invites his disciples to cross over with him to the other side of the lake. It was evening as they began their journey through the darkness into a storm at sea that caused them to face peril at ground zero. What can we learn about finding peace at ground zero?

First – FORWARD MOTION is necessary for advancement. Jesus said, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake” (Mark 4:35). Some People never cross over to new depths, adventures, or experiences because of fear. Life has certain risks. Americans realize that we must be more vigilant in guarding our freedom and advancement requires risk. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. We may cross over the river of death any moment. Are you prepared?

Second – FORSAKE the crowds. The disciples and some other smaller boats were willing to forsake the crowds and go with Jesus. Some were satisfied with where they were. God values our freewill. We must make the choice to go or stay. (See Joshua 24:15.)

Third – FELLOWSHIP inspires fortitude. What was it that inspired the disciples and those in the other little boats to go with Jesus? They had spent time with Him and other believers and that engendered a sense of connectedness and community with Christ and other followers. September 11th demonstrated the strength of fellowship Christ ordained that His church – the body of Christ – produces connectedness or koinonia in the Greek. (See Acts 2:42 and I John 1:3.)

Fourth – FULL-REST. When a great windstorm arose and the boat was filling with water, where was Jesus? He was in the stern, sound asleep on a pillow (Mark 4:37-38). Jesus so trusted His Heavenly Father that He had full-rest no matter what was going on around Him. Jesus said that there is a place of complete rest in Him. “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:38-29). The writer of Hebrews talks about that rest of faith. (See Hebrew 4:1-11.) After feverishly trying to bail water out of the boat the disciples finally went to the Prince of Peace – Jesus. In Him is full-rest!

Fifth – FEAR NOT! “And He said unto them ‘why are you so fearful?’” (Mark 4:40) Fear and doubt destroys faith.

Sixth – FAITH brings peace at ground zero. “How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40) Faith in God is essential (Hebrews 11:1, 6). When going through cancer treatments a few years ago, the effects of chemotherapy temporarily affected my eyesight. By using a large magnifying glass, the tiny print showed up crisp and clear in the center, while around the edges it grew distorted. Like wise, Jesus has become the focal point of my faith and I am learning to keep the magnifying glass of my faith focused on Jesus. When we take our eyes off the storm and put them on Jesus, we can have peace even at ground zero. “He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “’Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39).

Seventh – FRIENDHSIP with God engenders love and faith. Abraham, a great man of faith, was called a friend of God. To know God in this manner fills one with love for God. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear” (I John 4:18). Many know God as only the Almighty judge. Jesus came to reveal a new intimate side to God, a relationship so personal that Jesus used the word “Abba” or “Daddy” in addressing Him. God desires our relationship with Him. (See Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6.)

A spiritual song in the days of slavery spoke of this intimacy with God brought about by the incarnation of Christ into our world. Slaves had problems approaching the exalted God. Words like Master and Lord did not help them identify with a loving God. They needed an up-close and personal God.

“My God is so high, you can’t get over Him,
He’s so low; you can’t get under Him,
He’s so wide; you can’t get around Him,
You must come in, by and through the Lamb.”

Another spiritual said –
“Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,
Nobody knows but Jesus . . . Glory, Hallelujah!”

You can have peace at ground zero. Put your faith in the One who stills the storm. Put your faith in the Savior who died for the sins of the world and arose victoriously from the dead.

“For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works…” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).