Do fear and faith seem to battle it out in your mind and heart sometimes? Do the “without warning” or the “suddenly” moments shake your belief system and rattle your faith. Do they make you doubt? You are not alone; they affect me this way at times too. Both expressions are used in the same story in two different translations:
“Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake and the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he rebuked the winds and waves, and it was completely calm.” Matthew 8:23-26
“Suddenly a violent storm developed, with waves so high the boat was about to be swamped. Yet Jesus continued to sleep soundly. But Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you gripped with fear? Where is your faith?” Then he stood and rebuked the storm, saying, “Be still!” And instantly it became perfectly calm.” Matthew 8:24, 26
Everything about this story feels familiar to me. The “suddenly” and “without warning” storms often shock you. Has that happen to you recently? Life was going great, but “suddenly.” You were rejoicing, but “without warning” something happened. And it causes your faith to shrink.
It is easy to see the disciples were in the midst of a faith crisis. They went from great faith to little faith in a moment. They went from rejoicing over healings, powerful teaching and walking with Jesus to – “Oh, my, we are going to die.”
This is easy to identify with. It has happened to us all. But don’t overlook the fact that Jesus responded. They may not have had “great faith”, but they knew who to call out to immediately. Their “little faith” was enough. Did you get that? Their “little faith” was enough! And so is yours.
If your faith seems small and your fear seems great, call out to Jesus! He hears. He will immediately respond to you. He will calm the storm. He will give peace to your soul!
I pray that He calms both your soul and the storms around you today.