Jesus Rebukes Little Faith

Matthew 8: 23-27

The sky slowly becomes an eerie gray color. A low humming sound in the distance methodically comes closer until you feel engulfed in the noise that nearly knocks you off your feet. You catch yourself, but can’t quite tell what’s going on. Unexpectedly the legs below you can no longer hold you upright and are swept out from under you. It is becoming difficult to breathe and nearly impossible to get your bearings. You then realize you are soaking wet, half floating and half being pushed.

You want help but don’t know how or who to ask. You feel you should be able to handle it on your own. You’re strong and intelligent. You grab the nearest object and hold on with an iron grip.

You reach for anything passing by that may be able to stop the turmoil, but nothing you can grasp is stable. You panic. You focus on the negative and how overwhelming it all is.

The storms of life can make us feel weak and helpless. They will grip us tightly as though we are suffocating in our own living room. As the gale force winds wage havoc in our minds we attempt to latch onto things we think will ease the pain. We hold fast to the tangible. We allow the evil one to invade and create unrest within us.

Even when inside the boat with Jesus, the disciples allowed themselves to weaken under the threat of a storm. They woke Jesus in fear for their lives and asked him to save them from drowning. Matthew 8:26 Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Jesus then calmed the storm.

How we choose to handle the situations we are in determines our level of inner peace. If we know God is with us and fix our eyes and heart on Him, though we will experience storms, we will not drown.

Lyrics from the song: Just Be Held by Casting Crowns:

 

“When your eyes are on the storm

You wonder if I love you still.

But when your eyes are on the cross

You know I always have and I always will.”

How will you take the bumps, bruises and scars of this life, focusing on the storm or fixing your eyes on the cross?

Watch/Listen to JustBe Held by Casting Crowns

Read/Listen to Matthew8:23-27

The Story - Chapter 30 - Paul's Final Days

HALT is an acronym used in recovery circles to help people recognize when they might be susceptible to relapse. The idea is that if you allow yourself to become too hungry, angry, lonely or tired that relapse is more likely.

Paul knew that his fellow shipmates were hungry and very tired.  The ordeal they had been through left each of them stressed and exhausted.  Scripture points out they hadn't eaten for two weeks.

Acts 27:33 (NIV) 
 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. "For the last fourteen days," he said, "you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food--you haven't eaten anything.

Paul was caring for these men. He assured them they would survive the ordeal. That is what God does for us each time we turn to Him and seek His Word. Paul was a physical presence for these men. They could interact with him and hang on his every word. We have our Bibles to hang on to. The Bible which has God's Words of assurance; His promises of redemption, a shelter in the storms of life.

Matthew 10:30 (NIV)
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

The storms of daily living wash over us and bring pain and suffering, but Jesus has promised if we are faithful He will save us. What clouds are hanging over your head today?  What is rocking the boat so much that you feel you could fall overboard any minute?  Remember the promises and cling to them as if a life raft, for indeed they are.

Read Acts 27:33-44

Listen to Acts 27:33-44