Where is Your Faith?

Many are glad that this election season is over. Some are pleased with the outcome while others are disappointed. Some believe that things will be better, while others believe the world is about to get worse. A line in the sand was drawn months ago; the FORS and the AGAINST and although we are a part of the same family, we have decided not to attend the family reunion this year. There is a certain confidence with certain people and a fear with others. I ask, “Where is faith?” Do you believe that the Lord is truly in control? For those people who believe a storm is coming, why are you afraid when Jesus is in the boat with you? Consider the disciples who were afraid of the storm when Jesus was in the boat with them. Remember, the disciples were in the same boat, in the midst of a violent storm, with Jesus and yet they were afraid. There can be much speculation as to why they were afraid or why they should not have been afraid, but the fact is they were afraid. Moreover, these were tough men who were no strangers to the sea or its storms, but they were still fearful. What type of storm could cause fear in such men? The scripture says, and suddenly a great tempest (storm, hurricane, typhoon) arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves (Mat 8:24). So, this event caught the disciples by surprise. They were not prepared for a storm of this proportion. It doesn’t mean they weren’t prepared for a storm; they were fishermen, but they were hit suddenly and hard. Imagine, the waves covering the boat and filling it with water, the men trying to get the water out of the boat while the boat is being tossed to and fro waves and wind. Sails ripping, beams breaking, men yelling and trying to move about the boat while it is literally being rocked violently. They are wet, cold, despondent and afraid, yet the Lord slept peacefully. The disciples were afraid despite having the Lord with them on the boat. They were afraid despite being with the Lord who had previously performed miracles in their presence. They had little faith even after witnessing the great faith of the Centurion soldier.

Let’s be real, the disciples were fully aware of who Jesus was and what He could do but they were still afraid. So, did they believe He would let them perish? Did they doubt His power? Did they see and still not believe? Regardless of the reason, they were afraid in the midst of a storm that struck suddenly and was wreaking havoc on their boat; even though Christ was with them. While this was happening, Jesus slept. Jesus, the master the sea, was unbothered by the storm and in His human form needed rest.  Nonetheless, the scripture says that the disciples went and woke Him saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” So, they knew he could save them and went to Him when they were afraid and asked for help. They acknowledged His power with that simple statement, “Lord, save us,” but also admitted their doubt by saying, “We are perishing!” They knew but did not believe; sound familiar? Jesus asked, “Why are you fearful? O You of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked (reprimanded, admonished) the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. The scripture then said that the men marveled saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8:26-27)

But who do we trust? Where is your mustard seed faith? Regardless of which side of the line you are on trusting God is mandatory. Believing that He will never leave you or forsake you is easy for some, but others feel forsaken. Regardless of who won the election, the Lord is still in control. In the midst of celebration or sadness theology should win over everything. In the midst of disappointment or satisfaction we can’t think that we have everything together or forget the Lord will never leave us because He can’t (He’s omnipresent). He is always with us! In the midst of our satisfaction or disappointment we must not forget that God knows how we feel because He is omniscient (He knows all things). In the midst of our disappointment or satisfaction we should not forget that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord and is called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

PRAYER: Lord, help us to go about our daily lives remembering that ALL things work for good for those who love the Lord and that ALL means ALL. Remind us that during this season and others that we should represent Christ well, also. Despite what the outcome of this election is the Lord has spoken, and He said I will never you or forsake you. He said that ALL things work for good. He wants us to trust Him and Believe that His word is true and is what stands the test of time. Thank You for Jesus the Christ, our great example who died on the cross and rose again for you and me.
By Sis. Pat Towns