Genesis 24:52-25:28; Matthew 8:18-27; Psalms 10:7-15; Proverbs 4:11-13
NT: “When Jesus saw a large crowd around him, he gave the order to go to the other side of the sea… As he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves — but Jesus kept sleeping. So the disciples came and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey him!”” (Matthew 8:18, 23-27 CSB)
Compare the faith of the Roman Centurion from a few verses before to the faith of the disciples. The Centurion knew that the sickness of his servant was great, but that Jesus’ power and authority was greater. The disciples believed Jesus to be a great man (otherwise they wouldn’t be following Him) but they believed the storm and the waves to be greater. The interesting thing about this story is that the only reason the disciples found themselves in that precarious predicament was because they were following Jesus. Just before Jesus and team launched out in the boat, He had a few people approach Him about becoming disciples, and He responded to them with the cost that would be involved. There is a cost to following Jesus. He will lead you into uncomfortable, challenging, and even dangerous places. To remain following Him requires great faith. It may seem safer to stay put in the familiar – but if your faith is in the one Who is greater than any challenge you may face, you will come to find that you are always safe when you are with Jesus, joining Him in the work that He is doing.
Psalms: “Rise up, Lord God! Lift up your hand. Do not forget the oppressed. Why has the wicked person despised God? He says to himself, “You will not demand an account.” But you yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into your hands. The helpless one entrusts himself to you; you are a helper of the fatherless.” (Psalms 10:12-14 CSB)
Notice how, in the midst of faithless, corrupt, godless and evil people, the psalmist places his faith – not in the circumstances – but on the character of God. That is how you stay in faith: reminding yourself of who God is. When circumstances surround you, turn your gaze upward and see who God is and place your faith in Him.
Proverbs: “I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.” (Proverbs 4:11-13 CSB)
The way of wisdom is the way of faith in the One who is above all, transcends all, sees all, and knows all. While He may lead you to trouble, if you keep your eyes on Him, He will lead you in grace through trouble.
Jamie Hicks 