What If Faith is Lost?

"After a storm comes a calm."  - Matthew Henry

We live in a very tumultuous world. There is much anger, confusion, and fear of the unknown, and why not? We already have a lot on our plates, and more is added on with each passing day. It would appear that nothing makes sense anymore, and that answers seem harder to come by than ever.

For some, it may increase dissent, eventually evolving into rage, and then violence. Others, feeling that no matter what they do won't make any difference anyway, slip into dangerous complacency. Either way, faith is lost in the system, and more importantly in one another.

Following the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:15-21), the rest of the disciples board their boat to head for the other side of the Sea of Galilee; leaving Jesus to finish his business with the crowd there. What occurs next is the miracle of Jesus walking on the water (Matthew 14: 22-33).

That night, the disciples' boat is caught in a violent storm. While fighting the rising wind and heavy seas, they saw what they first thought was an apparition making its way toward them (Matthew 14: 25). At  first frightened by this, but then Jesus reassuringly called out to them (Matthew 14:27).

Peter feeling relieved and spiritually confident by the sight of Jesus felt compelled to join him out on the tossing water. Jesus invites him to come to him (Matthew 14:28-29). But, it's what happens next where the case for a strong, resilient faith is made.

The disciple climbs out of the boat and actually begins to walk on the water toward Jesus. Then suddenly, for a split second, he takes his eyes off of Jesus. With his focus gone, he realizes his situation, becomes frightened and begins to sink; crying out, "Save me Lord!" (Matthew 14:30)

At that moment, Jesus reaches out and saves him, reprimanding Peter for his self-doubt and lack of faith (Matthew 14:31). Is this where you are today? Are you, like Peter, floundering in the roiling waters of the world? Are you finding out that what you thought was a strong faith, is not?

Certainly there's no shortage of temporary fixes or remedies for what transpires in the world. But what about something strong, dependable; something you can count on to see you through the worst storms in life? If someone who actually walked with Jesus had a lapse in faith, what about you and I?

We can follow Peter's example and cry out for help. If he  did it, so can we. Jesus is reaching out to you right now in mercy and grace. Faith, as Peter found out, can be lost if we lose our focus. However, it can also be found, but only by the love that Jesus freely provides to all.

Scripture: Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6; Luke 1:37; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 9:23 

Prayer: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me, amen.  - Galatians 2:20

May your day be blessed!

Blake