Shhhh. Listen. All you can hear is the gentle lapping of water against the hull of the boat. But then Jesus' voice breaks the silence: "Where is your faith?"
You can't bear to look at Jesus because you know that behind his question lies a not-so-gentle rebuke. You doubted him. You forgot that he is Lord of heaven and earth. You've seen him raise a widow's son from the dead, heal a paralyzed man, and befuddle religious leaders who intimidate everyone but him. His loving acceptance of broken people has made your soul sing! His authority is undeniable! Yet you doubted him.
Of course, it's easy to trust Jesus while sitting on a grassy slope listening reverently to his words. It's easy to have faith when you see one hurting person healed after another. But out here on the stormy lake, it seemed as if nothing was certain anymore. So you doubted.
But you will remember this day, won't you? Good. Store it in your soul so that when another storm comes, you'll think of what you learned and trust that it is not just diseases and demons that obey Jesus. "Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (Mark 4:41).
Dear disciples, someday the Holy Spirit will fill you, empowering you for greater ministry. You will be better at remembering and trusting. Your God-filled soul will be calm, regardless of storms raging around you.
<p>Dear Father, thank you for the Holy Spirit, who helps us remember and trust Jesus. Thank you for your peace that sustains us in every storm. In his name we pray. Amen.</p>
About the author — David Den Haan
Pastor Dave Den Haan has served at Fairway Christian Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan, since 1999. Previously he served a church in Minnesota. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children.
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