Luke 8:22-25
22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out,
23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.
24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
Jesus calmed several storms during His ministry, and even though I’ve read about them many times, I couldn’t help but notice something He asked. When they woke Him up, they did it out of fear. But Jesus moved beyond their unbalanced emotions and calmed the storm. Then, He looked at them and asked a question. WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? He wasn’t angry with them; He just needed an answer. Notice that He didn’t ask until there was a calm.
I think it’s interesting that He wasn’t accusing them of not having any faith. He just wanted to know what they did with it. I believe Jesus was trying to tell them; you have faith; you just can’t get to it because of your fear. It’s in there, but your emotions are overshadowing it. He had to remind them that faith is not based on feeling; it’s based on belief. We walk by faith and not by sight. You see, it was impossible for them not to have it, because they had been with Jesus for some time now, and what He taught them, gave them faith. It was in there; they just had to rediscover it.
How many times are we guilty of the same mistake? We approach God with out of control emotions. We think it’s over, and we feel like He doesn’t care. Then, He brings calm to our situation. Now, let me ask you the same question. WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? You have it; you just can’t find it because you’re living in so much fear. You have enough faith to come through whatever you’re facing; so where did you put it? Did you place it behind your emotions? Is it hidden behind your anxiety? Perhaps you’ve forgotten you had it. Maybe you wouldn’t have to approach the Master so much if you would keep up with it. My friend, you have faith. It’s in you. You’ve heard too many sermons and seen too many miracles not to have it. Here’s my challenge for you. It’s time to rediscover your faith.
Love this!