Matthew records an incredible account that is another proof that Jesus really is the son of God. Jesus and his disciples were traveling by ship when a massive storm came upon them. When the disciples saw it, they were afraid and ran to there master. Jesus came out on the deck and raised his hands over the water and immediately the storm subsided.
Matthew 8:26 (ESV)
26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
This account shows the power that Christ was able to wield. But that is not all we are to learn from this account. Both the verses that proceed and follow the one shown above teach us about the faith and understanding followers of Jesus should have. As the disciples are panicking and running throughout the ship in fear. Jesus is found sleeping below deck as if on a peaceful sail.
Matthew 8:23–25 (ESV)
23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”
Jesus having the full understanding of who he was and when His time would actually come knew there was nothing to fear. He knew they would make it safely to the other side no matter how bad things got. Yet the disciples who allowed what they could see, the storm raging around, to affect their faith. They didn’t believe they would make it safely to the other side. Which causes Jesus to point out their lack of faith.
Our faith in God and the knowledge we have from His inspired word. Should allow us to face any storm in life without fear. We should know that our God will never leave or forsake us. That he will always be there with us to see us safely to the other side. Believers should show the same peace in every situation that we see our Lord Jesus Christ did. Living free of worry just as the Apostle Paul said we all should.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Of course, it’s not always easy to look past the storm and focus on God. Not allowing the circumstances to distract or take you away from His word. But we must realize that being afraid in the storm shows a lack of faith just as it did with the disciples.
Start cultivating the kind of faith that is able to weather any storm. Build your life on the word of Jesus. Spend time in the Bible every day and come to know the promises of God. He cares for you and will never leave you or forsake you. Finally, pray, when the winds of the storm start to blow don’t worry but pray. Beyond that stay in the constant state of prayer that prepares you for any trying time that may pop up out of the blue.
Matthew 7:24–25 (ESV)
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do those things and you will have the kind of faith that proves itself by being able to whether any storm. Don’t be like the Apostles that had to have their amount of faith brought into question multiple times before the began to truly trust the Lord. We can learn from the times they showed a lack of faith and know that there’s never anything to fear because Christ is always with us.
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