Choose Faith over Fear

“What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Matthew 8:27

Think about the disciples hanging out with Jesus on a boat when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it and, panicking, realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully. Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm… But not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”

His gentle rebuke over their lack of faith wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it.

When we find ourselves in storms we can’t control, how do we respond with faith? Here are three encouraging truths to remember:

1. God has power over every storm.
If the wind and waves don’t concern Him, then they shouldn’t frighten you. You might not be able to change your situation, but you can choose to faithfully trust God in the middle of it.

2. Fixing your eyes on Jesus leads to peace.
Are you looking at the size of the storm, or turning towards the One who can calm it? It’s only by focusing on God, who knows every outcome, that you can navigate any situation with His wisdom and peace.

3. Jesus is always in your boat.
It’s easy to focus on your fears when you can’t control your future. But thankfully, Jesus knows your future, and He’s always by your side. And, He calls you to live by faith, not by sight.

Whenever you find yourself overwhelmed by life, you always have two choices: you can focus on your circumstances, or fix your eyes on Jesus.

If you choose to look to Jesus above everything else, you will begin to see that the storms you face are not nearly as powerful as the Saviour choosing to walk through the storm alongside you.