Focus on the Savior... Not the Storm
- Lori Joy
- Dec 24, 2024
- 4 min read
When life hits us with a storm, it is our natural tendency to look at the storm and feel overwhelmed by it all. In scripture we see that even the twelve disciples had to learn to have such faith.
Matthew 8:24-26 (ESV) recounts the storm that tossed and was flooding their boat... "And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, 'Save us, Lord; we are perishing.' And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?' Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm."
Now the decipales have by this point seen and knew that Jesus was capable of miracles and yet still they were sure their boat with Jesus in it would be scuttled or sunk. Jesus must have been thinking "Really guys? You know I am the son of God, the Messiah, sent to save the world and you think God would allow us to perish now in this boat before His work is done?" No wonder He says to them "Oh ye of little faith," and then calms the seas and prove to them again that He is the son of God.
And in Matthew 14:26-32 (ESV) we see another account of where Jesus teaches them not to fear, but to have faith... "But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased."
Both times Jesus admonishes them for having "little faith", for fearing and doubting.
If Jesus placed such importance on reminding us all that it is not a good thing to fear, then should we not be working diligently towards overcoming fear and doubt?
Firstly let us remember that Jesus promised to us in saying “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5
Try to remember this the next time Satan tries attacking you by creating upheaval in your life. God is still with you and carrying you through the storm. Keep trusting in the Lord.
Secondly remember that "God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7.
If you feel fear trying to set in and rattle you... understand where that fear is coming from... it is the enemy trying to make you feel discouraged and to doubt.
In such times, make effort to remember Isaiah 41:10:
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
For most of us, that spirit of power, love and self-control mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7 are areas of our life that needs some extra work. That is inevitable when we live in this broken world and are ever batting against its negative influences. But never cease to keep working on improving these areas of your walk with the Lord. In time, with diligent and consistent practice one will gain mastery in this area of our faith walk.
If you've participated in sports you have likely heard the expression from your coach or trainer "practice makes perfect". This can also be applied to your Christian walk as you study God's work and work to overcome fears and doubts that we can sometimes face in life. The more often you put in the effort to maintain your peace, loving nature and self control in times of high stress and fearful situations... the easier it gets over time until you reach a point where it is just the automatic thing you do.
Think of a fireman who jumps right into that burning building to save whomever is inside. That is scary and dangerous work, but Firemen put trust in their training and in the one who trained them, and they courageously get the job done. They put out the fires and save countless lives because they did not allow fear to stop them, nor did they allow fear to hinder their good senses that enabled them to get the job done as safely as possible. We call such people "Heros" and we give them honour for their brave acts.
But God calls such people who serve Him with the same diligence and courage "Good and Faithful Servants."
James 1:10 reads: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Our bravery as Christians may not always go recognised here on earth by other humans, but indeed God notices and He is pleased when we persevere and overcome fears, doubts, and any trials we may have faced. Our reward is the "Crown of Life" which is eternal. And our reward is also a life lived with far more peace of mind knowing that GOD IS ABLE, and He is there to help us through it all.
So please be encouraged to keep your focus always... On the Saviour,
Jesus Christ our Lord!
I agree. The storm is allowed by our Dad and in Relationship with Him the storm becomes a great Spiritual Growth in our Lives.