Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples.
Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat.
But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked.
“Even the winds and waves obey him!”
Matthew 8:26a NLT
Luke 8:25a NIV asks a tough question: “Where is your faith?”
One thing I have learned—if I am afraid…I have lost my faith in God. I am no longer trusting in Him. It means I don’t trust Him not to hurt me. It means I don’t believe He has my best interest at heart. When I trust God and place my faith completely in Him, there is little room left for fear or doubt.
Bad things happen. Whether it is a result of my poor choices, someone else’s choice, a trial I must go through, or discipline I need…bad things happen. It is a fact of life. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) states, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.” What I must remember is that God is in control. And there is a purpose for the bad things. Everything in my life has been filtered through Him. Being a Christian doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. Storms will come at us, tossing us to and fro. But those storms are much easily weathered when we cling to our Rock. The second part of Matthew 8:26 (HCSB) reminds us “Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.”
Look at 2 Samuel 22:3 AMP…
My God, my Rock, in Him will I take refuge;
my Shield and the Horn of my salvation;
my Stronghold and my Refuge, my Savior—You save me from violence.
With God as our Rock, we have no reason to be afraid.
All it takes is placing our faith in Him alone.
* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *
Father, please forgive me when I feel afraid. Remind me You are my Rock and my Refuge. When fear pokes at me…bringing doubts to mind…strengthen my faith in You. For if You are with me, who can stand against me? In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen! It Is So.
