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Trouble in the Water

Luke 8:22-25
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 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. 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. “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.”

In these verses, Jesus is taking His disciples to the other side of the lake. However, on the boat, a sudden storm arises that frightens the disciples, who exclaim that they are going to drown. Did they not trust that He would bring them across the river safely? Immediately, I think of how in nearly every trial and tribulation I have ever encountered, I am the disciples on the boat. It is also important to note that in every trial and tribulation, the Lord is always faithful to deliver me from it. Although I am aware of this, it does not make it any less difficult to endure when the storm does come. This takes me to the verse in Philippians 4:6, which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Every situation is under His control, and by praying without ceasing and praying by asking, the Lord is able to then use the circumstances we are facing for His glory. But by being anxious, we soon become the disciples who say “we are going to drown” because we have lost faith that Christ can bring us out of the deep end. What is faith if we do not believe He can deliver us from the struggles we face? It is easy to have faith on a good day, when the sun is shining and we are filled with joy, but how about when the rain pours down and doubt and depression are swarming? Trials do not produce faith, they reveal it.

Application 
Today, whenever my mind wanders, I will write down where my mind takes me and give it to the Lord, asking Him to keep me focused.  

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