You Can Be Fearless

 

[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26

As the story goes (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25), the disciples had plenty of cause to be afraid:

• They were quietly making their way across the Sea of Galilee when, out of nowhere, this huge storm blew in.
• The wind-swept waves were crashing over the sides, swamping the vessel.
• Their beloved leader seemed so unconcerned that he was actually taking a nap in the back of the soon-to-be-sinking boat.

But I have a different question: Why did Jesus say they had little faith? What does their faith have to do with being fearful when in mortal danger?

The answer is in Mark 4:35 and Luke 8:22. Before they even started, Jesus said, "Let's go over to the other side." If Jesus says your little group is going to the other side, you're going to make it to the other side. (And I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't mean the bottom side.)

And what about you? Why are you afraid?

• Waiting for the biopsy results
• Heading to a job interview
• Wondering if anyone will ever love you
• Questioning if you'll be able to retire

Jesus has a word for you today: "Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

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Truth is...Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. (Psalm 121:4 NLT)