Are you facing fear today? Perhaps you are afraid of losing your job or developing cancer or being left by your spouse. At times all of us experience fear. But don’t allow fear to keep you from being used by God. He has kept you thus far; trust him for the rest of the way. – Woodrow Kroll
Remember the story about the disciples hanging out with Jesus on a boat when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. Sometimes things happen so quickly that we find ourselves unprepared to face it and begin to panic and realise that you even might die! The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully!
Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. After begging Jesus to do something, he calms the storm. But not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His gentle rebuke over their lack of faith wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe he would see them through it. How do we respond in faith when we find ourselves in storms that we cannot control?
Let me encourage you by saying that God has power over every storm. If the wind and waves don’t concern him, they shouldn’t frighten you. Choose to faithfully trust God in the middle of it. Don’t look at the size of your storm, but rather towards the One who can calm it. Focus on him who knows every outcome of it and will lead you to peace. Fear is a terrible thing when you are not focussed and can’t control your future. One feels so helpless and out of control. But thankfully, Jesus knows your future and he’s always by your side. He calls you to live by faith, not by sight.
What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him? Matthew 8:27
Written by Dr Charisse le Roux
