“FAITH - Fear”

GOD is our refuge and STRENGTH and ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its water roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…The LORD ALMIGHTY is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our FORTRESS.

Psalm 46

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. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? HE commands even the winds and the water, and they obey HIM.”

Luke 8:22-25

Meditation:

The apostles had spent time with Jesus listening to him talk about the Kingdom of God, healing those suffering from physical and spiritual illnesses and now they are sailing with him across the sea when the storm comes up. We tend to forget that several of the apostles are fishermen and are accustomed to storms at sea and yet they too are afraid that the boat will capsize and they will drown. Jesus appears unconcerned and sleeps on. However, when the apostles asked for help, Jesus answered and quieted the storm.

The apostles questioned the power of Jesus even after they had witnessed the other miracles… Think about that for a moment....they questioned the power of JESUS  the one who they had seen heal the sick and calm the storms.

Jesus asked them, “WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

What about us?

We witness God’s goodness in our lives, we see his power in the beauty and majesty of nature and yet we often question where he is when the storms of life shake us… Do we really think that we can escape trials and sometimes, persecution? We can be put down because of our beliefs and our attempts to do the right thing. We suffer the pains of illness, loss of loved ones and the problems that come with old age… Do we think that Jesus is sleeping in the back of our boat or do we reach out to him knowing that he is there waiting for us to ask for help.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Choose FAITH & TRUST instead of fear, worry, anxiety …

JESUS IS all POWERFUL, HE not only can but, does CALM the Storms of life…

There is a poem called "Footprints" that discusses this attitude of uncertainty about God’s care for us. In it, the poet complains that he sees the footprints of Jesus walking with him in time of joy but not in times of trouble. Jesus points out that he only sees one set of footprints during the sad times because ‘HE’ is carrying him. We can always depend on Jesus to be with us.

Prayer:

GRACIOUS, POWERFUL GOD, Help us to keep Trusting in you, and feel the PEACE Jesus gives in the middle of the life’s storms. Fill our hearts with your HOLY SPIRIT, so we feel you within us. Give us the GRACE to know that you are always by our side laughing with us in the good times and carrying us when we are burdened or afraid. Renew our strength to continue joyfully proclaiming the GOSPEL, to all nations, in JESUS’ name we Pray, Amen!

Jose Reyes.