Where is Your Faith?

“And He said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, What manner of Man is this! for He commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey Him” (Luke 8:25)

When I give Bible studies to others, I always let them know that giving control over to Jesus will be the hardest thing to do. Why?  Because we always want to be in control ourselves. Even when things are out of our control we want to control them, that is how we are, so fully surrendering that control to Jesus is very difficult for us. I always thought I had given everything to Him, but apparently not. I recently had an experience that made me realize this question of “Where is your faith?” He asked His disciples; it was the same question He was asking me although I did not hear it until later.

My spouse and I were driving to the airport. He was driving. The drive can be upwards of 45 minutes and I was in the passenger seat. The traffic can get pretty bad, and on this particular day I was white knuckling the whole way. I was afraid. We prayed for safety before we left—his and mine. We put on the radio to a Christian station which usually calms me. And we were conversing like normal but I was so afraid the whole way to the airport. We finally get there and after unloading, I drove back from the airport. I got behind the wheel and it was an uneventful, calm trip back home. Control! I was in control and I was fine driving back. But where was my faith? Did I trust that Jesus can keep me safe? Yes. Did I know my spouse is a good driver?  Yes.  So where was the problem? Was I afraid of dying? No, because no matter what happens God has me in the palm of His hand (John 10:27-29). But let’s talk a little about the first portion of John 10:27, which reads, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”  Why could I not hear his voice? You may have read this before but there are certain things or weaknesses the devil will use to get at us. In other words, Satan knows the weakness specific to you and me, and he will use it. In my case, the fear was so prevalent that it drowned out Jesus’ voice. Let’s go to Matthew 14: 27-30, “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” Notice that he said “if it be Thou.” Seems maybe Peter was having a bit of doubt at this time?  Continuing on, “And He said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.  But when he saw the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me.”  Peter lost sight of and stopped hearing Jesus and began to sink into the waves. And that is exactly what I had done. Fear is a very strong weapon the enemy can use. In Revelation 21:7-8 it states, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” We need to overcome or we will not make it. I think of the world today and where we are headed. It will not be easy. Fear is already evident with the things that are happening in the world and it is going to get worse, and when fear enters our hearts it can drown out the voice of the only One who can save us. Fix not only your eyes on Jesus but your ears, too!