A HUMBLING QUESTION

In life, we are certain to face stormy seasons. Whether those storms are a result of something at work, a family situation, or with some volunteer organization, they are sure to come. Sometimes these stormy seasons are short. Sometimes these stormy seasons seem to last indefinitely. Anyway about it, you cannot escape the storms.

If storms are inevitable, then what are we to do about them? How are we to respond? Where is our hope? The truth of the matter is that we cannot control of the storm itself. Therefore, all we have control of is ourselves. We can control how we respond, but we are powerless to stop the storm.

The disciples found themselves in a similar situation (Luke 8:22-25). They were in the midst of a literal storm. Obviously, they were powerless over the weather. As the storm blew, their hope faded. Interestingly enough, Jesus was along for the ride. While the disciples panicked, Jesus slept. This should have been a clue to them that everything would be just fine.

Eventually, in the midst of their storm tossed journey, they woke Jesus up. Jesus arose, spoke to the wind and waves, and the storm stopped. They Jesus asked the disciples one of the most humbling and convicting questions I can imagine being asked by Jesus, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25).

As the storms rage in our lives, we must not lose faith. If Jesus seems to be sleeping, then that should be our clue that everything is going to be just fine. If we are powerless over the storm, then our only hope is to trust in the Lord. It is humbling to consider that we might find ourselves coming out of a storm only to hear the Lord ask, “Where is your faith?”

The Lord we serve is the one who speaks to storms and they cease (Luke 8:24). He speaks to legions of demons and they flee (Luke 8:33). A simple touch of his garment can heal a twelve year illness (Luke 8:44). He takes the hand of the dead and they rise (Luke 8:55). The call of Luke 8 is simple, have heart and don’t lose faith.