IN FAITH'S ABSENCE

They were used to inclement weather suddenly disrupting their livelihood, but years of casting a net into the familiar waters of Galilee did not prepare them for the violent squall that had their boat taking on water.

As it intensified, waves began to explode over the sides of their small ship. Back muscles strained to pull oars through the choppy sea. Hearts pounded and lungs fought for air. Bloodshot eyes burned as rain pelted their bearded faces.

Fear of drowning fell upon panicked souls. 

In the stern was their leader, seemingly unaffected by the howling wind and shouts of the crew. Water splashed around him ... yet he slept.

'Care not that we perish?', one of the men yelled.

Christ rose to His feet and set His face toward the prevailing wind. With calm authority, He commanded ... 'Peace, be still', and immediately the chaotic struggle ended and the battered boat gently rocked in repose. 

Jesus looked into the eyes of His exhausted followers. They felt His gaze search their hearts, and then He asked ... 'How is it that you have no faith?'

This question is as relevant for us now as it was for the men in the boat that day. Paul prophesied that the world would become a frightening place to live ... and we are now in the middle of that 'storm'. 

But know this, that in the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. 2 Timothy 3:1-4  

As we witness the unprecedented evil of these 'end times', our hearts tend to sink in despair. The chaos causes us to forget that God is still in control. 

So, we hear His voice once again ...  “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40) 

We must not let fear weaken our faith, but allow our faith to dispel the fear. Christ gives us this promise ...

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus is in the boat, pilgrim.