I sometimes wonder if those are words Jesus says to me, “Nicola where is your faith”.
Not in an accusatory or condemning way but a loving question to remind me that Jesus is there with me in the middle of everything. To remind me that Jesus is faithful and I am not alone. In these times I need to look deep into my heart to remind my mind and emotions that faith is there. My faith is real and solid and not misplaced.
I was reading a devotional this week which prompted these thoughts. It was about the well known bible story recounted in three of the gospels about the disciples in the boat at night in the middle of the lake and the violent storm which seems to come out of nowhere.
I don’t think there was any sign of that storm when they set out. A number of them in the boat were experienced sailors so if a storm was brewing I think they would have known. Would they still have set sail knowing a storm was coming because Jesus had asked them to set sail? Obedience over fear.
It was a terrific and terrible storm in the middle of the night and they genuinely feared for their lives. Jesus was asleep in the boat. They wake Jesus because they need Him, they can’t do this on their own and in Matthew’s gospel.. “Don’t you care Jesus that we are perishing”.
Interesting question and more of an accusation. I can hear myself in that too. Jesus..this and this and this is happening to me, to my family, to my friends, to these innocents..it’s terrible…don’t you care.
Do something Jesus is the cry.
That’s when Jesus says “Where is your faith”.
I need to trust the One who spoke this world into being, who conquered death and sits at the right hand of the Father, who is above all things and who has all power and authority and who can change circumstances in an instant.
Quieting the storm in my heart and mind with those words “Nicola, where is your faith. I have promised never to leave you or forsake you. I have taken you and seated you in heavenly places and put a garment of salvation and robe of righteousness on you. I have given you the Holy Spirit who lives in you empowering and equipping you to be My witness. You are a new creation in Me, alive in Me and blessed with every spiritual blessing. You have been adopted by My Father and placed in My family. You are loved. You are seen. You are in My Hands and I will not let you go. You have a hope and a future. You know I am coming again.
Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain of doubt, fear, guilt…you name it.
“And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Luke 8:24 NKJV


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