FAITH THROUGH THE STORM

Matthew 8:23-27 (Part 3)

Introduction

1. First of all, Matthew tells us that Jesus reproved the disciples for their oligopistos {little faith}. Jesus used this word four times in Matthew and once in the gospel of Luke. In each incidence Jesus addressed the minuscule faith of the disciples (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; Luke 12:28).

2. Secondly, Jesus positioned their fear in context with their faith. Fear hinders faith. Yet, faith conquers fear.Fear is natural, while faith is supernatural.Fear is carnal, while faith is spiritual.Fear is an emotion, while faith is reality. Incidentally, lest we come down too hard on the disciples, we may also need to compare our fear with our faith.These two qualities are certainly contrary with each other.Fear is always at war with our faith. Even the apostle Paul rebuked timid Timothy for his pastoral phobias, Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Even though Timothy enjoyed apostolic authority, he still battled trepidation.

How does faith conquer fear?

1. First of all, faith conquers fear when I realize Christ is the navigator of my ship. He is in control! He is at the helm of my ship! It was an act of faith for the disciples to awaken the sleeping Savior. But it was an act of fear when they cried out “Master carest thou not that we perish.” Jesus didn’t reprimand the disciples for waking Him up; He rebuked them for believing the ship would sink with Him in it. It is impossible for the ship to go under when Christ is aboard. Faith boldly declares Jesus is the pilot of my ship and He is always in the vessel with me.

2. Secondly, how does faith conquer fear? Faith will overcome fear when I realize that Christ will awaken in response to the pleadings of one of His disciples. Christ calmed the storm as a result of the pleading of His disciples.

 Perhaps you feel that Jesus is asleep and inactive in your storm. Be confident child of God! Jesus is always aroused to action by the petition of His children.

 The persistent pleading of His people always gets His attention.

 By the way, the disciples only had a very small amount of faith.

 “Little faith” in a big God always seems to get the job done.

 The range of your faith is really unimportant. However, the proper placement of faith is very important.

3. Thirdly,how does faith conquer fear? Faith will make you restful and not fretful. We see a stark contrast in how Jesus and the disciples dealt with the storm. The panic stricken disciples were fretful.Yet, the serene Savior was restful as He slept through the storm.

 Faith in the infinite power of God will enable you to be restful in the storm.

 Faith has a calming effect.

 Resting in Him brings genuine peace.

 Weather beaten saints need to lean on Him when the winds of adversity blow.

4. Fourthly, how does faith overcome fear? Faith views every storm as an opportunity for God to reveal His glory. The disciples were eyewitnesses of this supernatural phenomenon. Matthew says they thaumazo {marveled}, or stood in awe (Matthew 8:27). In their astonishment they asked this thought provoking question, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” They truly recognized that Jesus was more than a man. He revealed His glory. They physically saw the elements of nature hupakouo {obey} Him.The winds and waves moved at His beckon call. Perhaps God has brought a storm into your life in order to reveal His glory.

 By faith you must accept that God has chosen you to be a vessel of His power. He desires to display His splendor to a lost and dying world through your life.

 By faith accept your “stormy,” sovereign assignment.Be confident!God is in control of every storm. Jesus Christ has dominion over the natural realm even in your personal life. He rules. He reigns. Let Him unveil His glory in your life.

Conclusion

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Like the disciples, we must learn to weather the storm. We must first address the issue of fear. So many believers never make it past the fear-factor. Far too often we become paralyzed by fear and trepidation. We must also confront our storm related frustrations. While it may seem that Christ is asleep in our storm we must remain secure in Him. Although our boat my sail stormy seas, Christ is always at the helm. Then finally, if we are to weather the storm we must deal with our faith.Faith in Christ will conquer our fears and frustrations. By faith we must accept the fact that Christ is with us through every storm of life. He is in our boat. He is the navigator of our ship. Therefore, we can remain restful and not fretful as we go through the eye of the storm with Him.