I have been challenged by this question lately, as I navigate the everyday challenges of life,“Where is your faith?”
[22] One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. [23] As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. [24] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. [25] “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” Luke 8:22-25, NIV
Jesus asks the disciples, “Where is your faith?” Jesus asks the same of each of us.
I love God’s Word. It teaches me about God, and his plan for my life. God’s Word shows me God’s goodness and plan for humanity. God’s Word shapes and forms me into the person I was created to be.
God’s Word is also full of valuable principles for life: relationally, financially, physically, mentally, emotionally. . . it’s all in there! Great instructions, commands, and real-life encouraging stories that teach me how to live the life God authored. We learn that life works better for those who are generous, faithful, good stewards of their bodies and resources, who walk in love, serve, value relationships, and so on.
But, do you find that you are putting your faith in the principles of God’s Word, rather than the person of Jesus Christ? Our faith is not to be in the principle, it is to be in the Person.
It is faith in the Person, that gives us the desire and ability to live life well.
It is faith in the Person that causes mountains to move!
Jesus, talking to a group of people with this a problem putting their faith in him, says that they
…have never heard [God’s] voice nor seen his form, [38] nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. [39] You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:37-40, NIV
Jesus is telling us that we can examine and memorize and know the scriptures inside and out, yet miss a divine experience of knowing Him through revelation. There are things I know to be Biblical truths that are not yet revelation to me. There are also things, through intimacy with Christ, that have been revealed to me, in the Person of Christ.
The life of the principle is in Jesus!
Now, rather than turning to my ability to execute Biblical principles, I have learned to turn to Jesus. I am confident that the disciples did everything they knew to do, to keep a boat from sinking, before waking Jesus up! I know I am also recovering from this problem! I am learning to let go of my desire to ‘do all I can do’ before turning to Jesus for help. He’s already in the boat with you. I bet he would LOVE to help you solve the problem, give you revelation, or send a miracle!
I hope that this has encouraged you! I am finding my words again… more to come! 🙂
Much love,
