Men of Little Faith

He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26).

Have you ever been in a situation where you were truly afraid for your life? We know life is a dangerous reality, but sometimes there are specific incidences where the danger is very real and the threat to life and limb is unmistakable.

Some of the disciples were experienced fishermen. Certainly those at the helm of this boat were expert boatmen. They would have known not to go out on the Sea of Galilee if there was the possibility of a storm. But there were times when storms happened suddenly and without warning. This was one of those times. Whether this storm was orchestrated by Jesus for just this occasion or not, I’ll leave that to you to figure out.

The storm had hit suddenly and violently (Mark 4:35-41). As seasoned as these fishermen were, they were afraid the boat would capsize or sink and they would drown. Jesus, who was asleep in the bow of the boat, was suddenly awakened by the shouts and cries of the disciples. Our Lord’s response seems to be a bit harsh and without sympathy for His followers.

“Faith is ever bold - incredulity always timid. When faith fails in temptation, there is the utmost danger of shipwreck,” so says Adam Clarke. If this storm was permitted by Jesus in order to try their faith and manifest the dignity of His Person, then they failed and He succeeded. If Satan was the cause of the storm, he only succeeded in making the Lord display His power and glory.

It is only normal and natural to express fear in the face of danger; but there was unbelief in their fear. And for that lack of faith Jesus rebuked His disciples, but only after the danger had been removed. What would Jesus have expected the disciples to do, in faith? Was it not but a short time before that Jesus said, Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock? 

Storms sweep over us often enough, but there is peace and security in Jesus. Jesus was sure the Father was with Him, He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him (John 8:29). Therefore He could rest easy in the safety and security of the Father, like Daniel in the lions’ den or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace. Do all you can to face the storm and battle the waves, but in confidence in the One who controls the wind and waves and not in fear of the one who may be stirring them.

“Father, remind me daily that You are Sovereign Lord of all creation. No matter what I face, there You are in the midst of the situation to control it according to Your plan and purpose. As close as the enemy is to me, remind me that “greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. This to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ, my Lord, Amen.

Pastor