The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm! Then He asked them, “Where is your faith?” Good question.
Where is your faith?
I struggle with faith. I like to think I have a lot of faith in Jesus, then, some sort of unintended and undesired change lurches into my life and, well, I begin to worry and fret over it. I feel more secure when I have a solid bank account, when my health and that of those in my family is in good stead and the unrest in this country and world ebbs at a low point. That’s the truth. I’m not proud of this.
Jesus’ disciples were in a state of panic when the storm hit their little vessel. Many of the apostles were experienced fishermen, so they knew the warning signs and to be cautious on big water in a little boat. Its actually kind of funny that Jesus was sleeping through the whole thing and didn’t wake up until someone stirred him. Read the brief account for yourself in Mark 4:35-41.
My faith has grown since I began my journey of surrender starting in the year 2000. I’ve endured struggles in raising kids, money constrains, health issues with loved ones and the need to confront with brutal honesty parts of my life that needed surgical removal. As I look back, it hasn’t been smooth sailing at times, but Christ has delivered me through all this and deposited me in this current place that is very different that I would have imagined for myself – but a wonderful place it is indeed.
Reading the accounts of faith in the Bible helps to bolster my faith as well as hanging with others on the same journey. Hearing testimonies, listening to struggles and reflecting on my own journey provides a pathway to an enriched faith in Jesus.
These are real people in the Bible – read their stories and relate to them. Get in a small group – listen and share your hurts, habits and hang ups. And audit your own story and see how God has delivered you in ways that you couldn’t possibly done on your own.
And enjoy the journey of greater faith!
Richard Bahr 