Here’s What Faith Is

This is a story of faith.

“Let’s go out into the middle of the lake and drown.”

No one would ever make such a statement. And no one would follow anyone who did make that statement.

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”

Mark 4:35 (ESV)

The disciples dutifully got into the boat with Jesus and headed out. Surely their expectation was for an uneventful voyage to the other side of the lake. They had been following Jesus for a while and they were learning to trust his leadership.

When we follow, we will be led to the other side of the lake as well. We don’t know what things will be like when we get into the boat but we usually expect clear sailing. After all, Jesus is in control of things, right?

But…

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Mark 4:37–40 (ESV)

I have sometimes wondered if Jesus said ‘Peace! Be still!’ to the disciples and the wind and waves overheard so were obedient! I know that is not the case but such is the power of God as it was manifested in the life of Jesus.

The disciples had a normal response to a dangerous situation. Even though some of them were seasoned fishermen and had spent many nights at sea, this storm was so violent that it terrified even them. They had forgotten what Jesus said to them in the first place. He hadn’t bidden them to go into the middle of the lake and drown but to go to the other side.

His words to the disciples rebuked them for their lack of faith.

Those words are also instructive for us today.

What Faith Is

Faith is not feeling. The disciples felt fear even though they really were in no danger. The circumstances felt dangerous but they forgot Jesus’ words and the fact that he was with them. Feeling like we are in danger is not the same as faith. Where Jesus leads, he protects. When we are in the midst of his will, we can live with absolute confidence.

When we follow Jesus, we will find ourselves in the storm from time to time but we can be sure that we will come to the other side.

But not…

Disasters come in life. Sometimes circumstances lead to peril. Sometimes, we are in that position because of decisions we have made. We haven’t followed Jesus and now we are in trouble.

I have heard people wonder why God let them get into such trouble when it is easy to see that they made a series of disastrous decisions that took them into a nearly hopeless situation. Faith will not get them out of the consequences of their decisions, which include suffering and sometimes even imprisonment.

Get Serious about Faith

When you are committed and serious about following Jesus, you can live your life with confidence. Decide now that you will follow unconditionally and experience that confidence for yourself. Be bold with your faith. Do not fear. Know that he is with you and will guide you in all things.

Be patient. Sometimes we make decisions and push ahead outside of the will of God. Pray and make sure that you are following Jesus and not your feelings or logic or evidence. He will guide. Sometimes he is very specific, sometimes not but when we are doing our best to be obedient, our faith will keep us on track. Jesus will help us through every trial and trouble and temptation. It’s what he does and he can be fully trusted.