Luke chapter 8 verses 22-26 (NIV)
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
We are all familiar with the biblical account of this storm on the sea of Galilee. Many sermons have been preached on different aspects of it. We know there were seasoned fishermen on the boat who were used to storms, and if they were frightened then the danger was obviously very real.
But what struck me today was the reason that Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith.
Before they had got into the boat, Jesus had taught that those who heard God’s word and put it into practice, were part of His family. Then Jesus told the disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” He fully expected to get to the other side. But in their panic, the disciples forgot this. Jesus would not have put them in peril. Yet we cannot condemn the disciples – at least I can’t. After all how many times have I panicked in times of difficulty and forgotten what God has promised? This is the very time that we need to hold onto those promises and trust that God will bring us through, even if the circumstances suggest otherwise. That’s true faith in action.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that as part of your family I must not only hear Your word, I must also put it into practice, and that means trusting You in circumstances that are difficult. Help me never to lose sight of Your promises to me. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.