DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

[Contributed]

Text: Luke 8:22-25

22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Jesus and His disciples took a ship across the Sea of Galilee to go to the other side. After long hours of preaching, teaching, walking, and interacting with the people, Jesus was tired and took a nap on the deck of the ship. In the middle of the sea/lake, there was a big windstorm, causing the waves to pour into the ship. At first, the disciples used their knowledge, experience, and strength to empty the ship of the water that poured in, but the water that came in was so much more than what they were trying to draw out, and it jeopardized their lives. Then they feared greatly, thinking that was the end of their lives.

However, of all the occupants of the ship who attempted to save themselves by their own ways, Jesus was not among them. After looking for Him, they found Him sleeping on the deck of the ship and awoke Him to save them from the life-threatening situation. Awakening from sleep, Jesus commanded the wind and the wave to cease, and they instantly obeyed Him. Then He asked His disciples, "Where is your faith?"

One might wonder what kind of question Jesus asked His disciples. However, Jesus was trying to show them that they had something within them that would enable them to cause the life-threatening situation to subside. In other words, Jesus was asking them, "Why can't you use what you have, even faith?"

When life-threatening problems, needs, or temptations arise against us, like the disciples, we tend to:

1. Fear - because it's bigger than we can handle or too dangerous.
2. Doubt - underestimate the faith or God we have, like the Israelites did before the giant Goliath.
3. Complain/Regret - because of the lack of faith or we have backslidden spiritually.

However, Jesus is telling us at this moment that we have something, even faith, to overcome whatever we face in life. Romans 10:17 tells us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Moreover, Jesus in Matthew 17:20 said, "Because of your unbelief: for truly I say to you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

📌 The Word of God that you hear, read, memorize, and meditate on is your faith, and that is where the power of God rests. Hence, use your faith when storms of life threaten your soul/life. Rely on the Word of God when your experience, knowledge, and talent cannot take you through. That's why Jesus asked, "Where is your faith?"

📌 When you apply faith in a given situation, you will realize that there won't be any fear, doubt, regrets, or complaints. Your heart will be ruled by peace, joy, patience, goodness, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). In addition, whatever soul-threatening situation that comes your way will subside or be taken care of by God. That's how you answer Jesus' question: "Where is your faith?" Thus, sail through the ocean of uncertainty by faith and experience the power of God each moment. Praise God!