Rediscover the Bible for Life

“Faith in the Midst of Contradictions”

Contradictions seem to assail us on every side.

• Someone who was once so full of life dies without any rhyme or reason.
• A job that seems secure and that will last until retirement is now threatened and the security of our family is at stake.
• A commitment made, to death do us part, now seems not so sure as divorce papers are served, and
• A blue chip investment you poured your life saving into now may go belly up.

How are we as Christians suppose to handle these contradictions that life hurls towards us.

Such was the disciple’s dilemma. Jesus told them to get into a boat and cross over to the other side of the Sea or Galilee. But as they were out in the middle of the sea a great windstorm threatened to sink them.

The wording of this storm means that it wasn’t something minor, but the word “windstorm” is that of a whirlwind, and to strengthen it’s intensity the word “great” was added. So what you have is something like a hurricane hitting the sea, with the winds literally driving the waves into the boat.

Now, these disciples were no amateurs. They were experienced fisherman who grew up on the Sea of Galilee, but this was beyond their ability.

The severity of the storm can also be seen in that Jesus “rebuked” the winds. This was not a normal storm, but one with an evil intent. You may say this storm was cooked up by Satan Himself.

So here you have experienced fisherman, who knew how to handle a boat, in a storm that caused them to panic. But where’s Jesus? He asleep.

Now some say it was he was extremely tired. But I don’t care how tired someone may be, if they’re getting doused with extremely cold water, they’re waking up. So why wasn’t Jesus?

Let me propose that Jesus was at great peace because His faith was such that He didn’t worry, because He said they needed to go to the other side. He knew the Father’s will and that this was His plan all along, no matter what Satan may throw against Him.

An anonymous poem says,

“Doubt sees the obstacles; Faith sees the way

Doubt sees the darkest night; Faith sees the day

Doubt dreads to take a step; Faith soars on high

Doubt questions, “Who believes;” Faith answers “I”

When the storm was calmed Jesus asked, “Where’s your faith?”

It’s as if Jesus is saying, “Okay, there’s a storm. In that storm take the faith I’ve given you and put it to work.”

Please know that each one of us have been given the faith we need to handle whatever life throws at us. We just have to start to exercise that faith and putting it to work.

Remember, not only is Jesus in the boat with us, but that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, believe and trust in the Lord, and He will give you whatever measure of faith is needed.