WHICH WILL YOU FOLLOW: FEAR OR FAITH?

August 3, 2016

WHICH WILL YOU FOLLOW: FEAR OR FAITH?

Luke 8:16–25

Kelly Ryan

Central Truth

Throughout the Bible, God reminds us that our lives as believers will not be free from storms. But when we place our faith in Jesus, He will get us through them, never leave us, and give us peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25)

A Lamp Under a Jar

16 No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

19 Then his mother and his brothers^{1

8:19
Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21} came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Jesus Calms a Storm

22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Footnotes

[1] 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21

Before I was truly walking with Christ, the “storms” of everyday life would send me into a tailspin: a flat tire, an unexpected bill, an argument with a boyfriend. I was constantly overwhelmed. I was only good if circumstances were good. Similarly, in this passage of Luke, the disciples follow Jesus, but when storms draw near, they panic and give into fear. Jesus immediately rebukes the storm and then challenges His disciples by asking, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25)

This story is a great reminder that God is in control. He knew the storm was coming. It was not a surprise to Him. Likewise, He knows our circumstances before they happen and in the midst of them. He calls us to obedience when we don’t understand what He is doing or feel His presence. Whether our circumstances are unemployment, sickness, or singleness, when our focus is on remaining faithful, we will not only persevere but also be an example to those around us.

He shows us here how our faith is measured through trials. We may profess faith in Christ, but our actions will be the true test. We must remind ourselves of His faithfulness in the past so that we don’t lose heart about what He is doing in our present circumstance. In Mark 4:40, Jesus asks, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” Despite the fact that the disciples had been walking with Jesus, they had not transferred their faith from head knowledge to heart knowledge and fully trusted in Him.

It wasn’t until I accepted that I was not in control and fully surrendered to God that I began to experience the freedom that walking with Christ brings. This doesn’t mean my life was free from storms. The unexpected bills, hospital visits with a sick kid, and conflict with family still came; but I could live above these trials and know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Believing that He uses all things for good allowed me get off the roller coaster of circumstance.

1. Are there circumstances in your life that cause you to question where God is in your storm?

2. How have you found peace in the midst of storms?

3. Have you fully surrendered all of your life to God, or are you still on the roller coaster of circumstance?

4. Is there anything in your past you can remind yourself of that shows God's faithfulness to you and His ultimate sovereignty?