The Test of Faith

“And He Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’ And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, ‘Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?’” Mark 4:38-40

The disciples had been with Jesus less than a year the first time He allowed their faith to be severely tested. “And on that day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ And leaving the multitude, they took Him along with them, just as He was, in the boat; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. And [Jesus] Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion...’” Mark 4:35-38

According to Mark 4:30-32, Jesus had just finished teaching about faith. He had carefully explained how even the smallest amount of faith, once exercised, became a powerful tool in the heart of the believer.

As the storm clouds gathered and the waves rose in response to the wind, the disciples became fearful. The blessing of God in this situation was that Christ Himself was in the stern of the boat. His presence was all they needed for protection.

Faith must be tested. One of the greatest blessings we have is that Jesus promises never to leave us. Whatever you are facing, He is in it with you. You are not alone. Trust Him and He will calm you in the storm.

Remember - Blessings are an expression of God’s attributes, character, and nature.