Matthew 8:24-27: And behold there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?”
Last week I quoted Mark’s account of Jesus calming the storm at sea when the disciples were in the boat. I looked at how the disciples struggled with faith versus fear. I want to take this a step further today and look at Matthew’s account. Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Once he was a despised tax collector, but his life changed when he became a follower of Jesus.
These experienced sailors that were the disciples of Christ panicked in the storm. It is not unusual for exceedingly violent storms to suddenly appear sometimes with waves as high as 20 feet on the Sea of Galilee. Their fear centered on what they knew could happen – they could drown. Naturally, they were not reviewing in their minds all the miracles that they had just witnessed Jesus do. No, their fear centered solely on this immediate extreme crisis- waves were crashing into the boat, and Jesus was asleep. They needed to be rescued by Jesus so fear consumed them. They accused Jesus of not caring. I admit I probably would do the same thing in my first reaction.
The lesson here for us is that we (I) need to remember that Jesus is always in control despite any trembling circumstances. I don’t understand that completely, but it is true. He is in control of nature because He is the creator of creation. He is in control of circumstances and outcomes (Eph. 1:11 and Romans 8:28); He is in control of my life because He created me (Psalm 139:14; Jeremiah 1:5; Job 33:4; Ephesians 2:10).
Yes, I admit when a burden comes up I may panic and think God isn’t working anything out and become impatient and wonder why. But when I truly understand who God is (as the disciples failed to follow in that boat), fear is vanquished. I should never discount God’s power. He is the giver of peace – Jehovah Shalom.
What is in your boat today? Ask Jesus to astound and amaze you and rest in the fact that He is in control. Then place your trust and pray the words of Psalm 23:2b-3: “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Questions
What has God so gifted you in your abilities that you might be overconfident or too self-reliant on your skills and not rely on Him in your life? Remember the 12 experienced sailors, that were followers of Christ that panicked and had a real fear of drowning. There is a lesson here.
Storms of life may come even when we are obedient and not disobedient, as Jonah was. May our “little faith” be turned into great faith in learning to hear the voice of God upon our life.
God upholds it all even in our weaknesses.
Listen to Newsboys “You Hold It All (Every Mountain)” (Official Lyric Video)
You did it again. You post the things that I need to hear just at the right times. Thank you doing this every friday.
Thank you Michelle! Faith and trust and remaining steadfast is a continual challenge and lesson to learn here on this earth no matter what age we are it seems.
I just listened to that song. I can’t believe I have never heard that before and I am a big newsboys fan. Thanks again.
Love their songs! This one was a perfect fit. They are the real deal.