Faith in God

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith projects trust believing that God’s mighty power will be released in the life of a Christian (Hebrews 11:33-35). If your prayer life is riddled with doubts, you start to deny yourself the greatest, single avenue of power that God has made available to you. The gospel is replete with examples of Jesus consistently rebuking those who would not believe Him. He had revealed enough of Himself for His disciples so they will believe Him in their time of need. God wants to build your understanding of Him until your faith is sufficient to trust and obey Him in each situation. This is why God wants you to trust Him and to ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief. “The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). The moment you turn to Him with a genuine commitment to overcome doubt, God will provide you with a revelation of Himself that can convince you of His faithfulness. From the text, Jesus expressed His disappointments when His disciples whom He had been with for quite a while, have seen His miracles, and heard Him preach, yet doubted Him. When Thomas doubted, Jesus revealed Himself to him in such a way that every doubt vanished (John20:27). Jesus promised to reveal Himself in such a way that any doubt you might have is removed. Jesus did this with His disciples. He involved them in a consistent, growing relationship with Himself. Jesus took them through teaching, to experience small miracles as well as large miracles, and to the resurrection. Jesus knew that the redemption of the world will involve His disciples’ believing Him. Always remember that you are not the only who gets the blessing when you trust Christ. Others around you could learn from the faith you have. They look at you on how you respond to God’s call to believe and trust Him completely.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman Westside Baptist Church Los Angeles, CA