Posted on 07/30/2025 4:35:48 AM PDT by metmom
“‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’” (Matthew 8:26).
Sometimes events seem so obvious to us, we wonder why others don’t see the problems or difficulties just as clearly. During the storm the disciples wondered two things: why Jesus could ask them what was so frightening, and how He could not be afraid Himself. In the midst of chaos, any other response seemed absurd. They even accused Him of insensitivity: “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).
But Christ had to rebuke His men because their fear sprang from faithlessness. He basically asked them, “Haven’t you been with Me long enough to see what I can do and to know you are perfectly safe? Even if you should drown, that would mean instant heaven. There’s nothing to worry about.” They should have remembered Psalm 89:8–9, “O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You. You rule the swelling of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them” (cf. 46:1–3; 107:23–30).
For the disciples, Jesus would literally fulfill the psalm. And for believers today, who are aware of His power and love, there is still no need to be afraid of anything. God will see us through the most tumultuous of life’s storms because He can and will take care of His children.
Ask Yourself
When was the last time you despaired of life and safety, feeling as though there was no escape from your current situation without divine intervention?
In fact, how many of these has God allowed you to live through—and to see His capable deliverance?
Studying God’s Word ping
Thanks!
It’s funny how we can ignore His past miracles to sustain us when we face trials.
Many years ago we were helping some friends sail their boat from the Virgin Islands to the Bahamas. Part of the trip entailed a non-stop, four-day trek from Puerto Rico to the Turks and Caicos. I'll never forget being on watch one of those moonless nights where you couldn't tell where the sea ended and the sky started it was so dark. I started getting a little spooked thinking we're in thousands of feet of water, hundreds of miles from any land, if anything went wrong and we sank, nobody would even know we were there. But then this Scripture popped into my mind:
I wasn't "in despair", just a little freaked, but the Holy Spirit comforted me with those words and we got to our destination unscathed.
So true! I think that’s why God had the Israelites build altars, monuments and memorials to remind them of the many miracles He did for them in the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. We also need reminders.
Great post and a great reminder of how we should think when life seems dark.
What a life.
Sounds like great times in spite of being a little unsettling at times.
Even if we looked just at what God has done in our own lives, it can make a difference.
Perhaps at that point, it behooves us to sit down with a sheet of paper and look back at our lives and write down all the times God has provided. And later, put it in chronological order and keep it to record in it from here on out.
Honestly, sounds like something I need to get to.
Well stated. Thank you.
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