You know the story. It happened on the Sea of Galilee, that fascinating lake in northern Palestine, rich in associations from the life of Jesus. It was a treacherous little lake because often, sometimes without warning, the winds would sweep down through the rocky ravines of the surrounding hills and whip up the usually calm waters into a terrible storm. That’s what happened to set the stage for our story.
At the suggestion of Jesus, the disciples were taking Him across the lake. Exhausted by His labors of preaching and relieving the afflicted, Christ was soon sleeping soundly. Not soon thereafter the tempest struck in unusual fury; the waters went high and low, and the boat went with them. The disciples were filled with fear, but let’s not think they were easily frightened. These were stouthearted fellows, several of whom had been raised by the sea.
This experience told them, however, that they were in real danger. As they hastily trimmed the sails and manned the oars, they were no match for the forces of nature that were opposing them. They had reached the point we sometimes reach when a storm of life sweeps over us. Finally, in despair they turned to Christ, as we sometimes turn to God when everything else has failed. “Master, Master, we are perishing!” they cried out.
“And He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?'” The same can often be said of us, too. It is well to note that we do not live all of our lives in a storm. Yet, for many, their fears reach far into the future. In fact, some folks are booked up with worry for months in advance. But God wants us to live each day, one at a time. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).
I don’t know what your fears are. I do know that when by faith you trust in Christ as your gracious and merciful Savior you will find peace in the storm. In Christ, and Him alone, you will have strength and courage for life, heaven, and all eternity.
May His strength be yours this day!
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, comfort us in our fears. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
From “Where Is Your Faith?” a sermon excerpt from Rev. Dr. Armin C. Oldsen, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you experienced a scary event in your life? Did you call on God for help at that time?
2. When Jesus asked the disciples, “Where is your faith?”, how do you think they reacted?
3. When things are difficult, do you have a favorite Bible verse that comforts you? (See Isaiah 40:31; Romans 8:38-39; and John 16:33 for some good verses to memorize for such times.)