How far does our trust go?
Have you ever assessed your faith in God and found it lacking? Have you ever felt the conflict of knowing God can show up but struggling to wait for His plan to unfold?
I can't imagine a Christian out there who hasn't found themselves at some time or another feeling that their faith needs bolstering. Guess what? We are in good company.
When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"
But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!"
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
"Yes, come," Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
Matthew 14:26-31
Jesus came to His disciples on the water just after He had performed the tremendous miracle of feeding more than 5000 people. The disciples weren't off doing other tasks while this creative miracle happened. They could smell the fish as the Lord fed an enormous crowd. They could feel the bread as they passed the food along. Jesus released a miracle through their hands, yet they struggled with "little faith."
Define "little faith" = a faith that lacks confidence or has too little trust.
This definition from the Strong Concordance shows us that Jesus's words were identifying Peter's faith depth. Jesus wasn't saying that Peter had no faith, just underdeveloped faith. This makes sense since Jesus had just seen Peter boldly step out on the water.
Peter had faith in Jesus as the mighty Son of God, or he would've never stepped out of the boat. The disciples believed and saw mighty miracles but still needed strengthened faith, greater confidence, and trust to grow. Jesus continued to show them they could rely on Him.
At another stormy time, Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the lake while He napped. High waves broke over the side and filled the boat while Jesus slept.
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?"
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!" Mark 4:35-41
In this particular boating incident, Jesus points out the fear that mixed into their faith. He again displays His power to help them in what seems to be a crisis situation. Surrounded by underdeveloped faith, Jesus immediately responds and demonstrates His power from His Father's kingdom.
Where's your level of trust in a crisis?
Health dilemma
Lack of provision
Wayward loved one
Emotional struggles or stress
Unstable work/school environment
Jesus has enough compassion and power to get you to the other side, no matter the circumstances. Just because the disciples couldn't see a natural way safety would come in the storms, it doesn't mean Jesus wouldn't bring it. We must stop using our human understanding when waiting on a supernatural God. Jesus could see the other side of the lake when the disciples couldn't. He knew the twelve had more assignments to accomplish for God's kingdom.
We have a choice, just like every other follower of Christ. We can believe in the compassionate character and mighty power of Jesus OR depend on our own understanding.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:4-5
Don't take matters into your own hands but seek his will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take. Allow your faith to grow, mature, and refine as you follow Jesus to the other side.
STOP. Take a breath, or maybe three. Pause and give God an offering of your time. Allow Jesus to come to you. Close your eyes and picture yourself next to Jesus in a favorite place... by a lake, a reading chair, your backyard, or a vacation spot. Allow Him to invade the eyes and ears of your heart. Let Him come to you, pray and allow Him to show you what He wants to reveal.
Pray to Him...
Jesus, I know you are both compassionate and mighty. You and you alone are God. I have faith in you, but my faith needs more development. Please help me to trust even when I don't see how it will work out. Lord, remind me of the times you have shown up and brought provision, healing, freedom, and peace when there could've been turmoil. Please forgive me for the times I limit what you can and will do. I release my control and human understanding over to you and choose to trust you to lead me to the other side of every situation I face. Please release your supernatural gift of faith to me so I can trust you more and rely on you no matter the circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Trusting Him,
Danielle Flanagan
Sparkling Brooks Ministries
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