We all have triggers. We all have people and situations that we have forgotten and forgiven. But every once in a while something in a person’s character, conversation, or situation brings us back to a place in time when we thought and saw ourselves as angry, unloveable, inadequate, or unworthy. We may question our faith or come to the realization that we are under attack. Although we have left that part of our lives behind us, how is it that those feelings creep into our spirits again? Were we obedient in how we handled the situation? Did we pray? Did we listen to God’s voice? Did we believe? Don’t feel bad because life is a journey filled with seasons of doubt, questions, and unrest.
I have been reminded of the obstacles that many of us are facing. No matter how bad the situation may be, we continue to cling to hope because we trust that we serve a living God who always has our back. When I think of what life would be like for so many of us if we did not have faith, the outcome could be horrendous. But sometimes holding on to faith seems impossible to do, or we just forget and give in to fear, anger, and angst. Even the best of people have setbacks.
Peter and the disciples were good men following Jesus, but even they had moments when fear and doubt got the best of them.
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27
Isn’t it amazing that in a time of distress, Jesus answers? How many times have we found ourselves in the midst of a storm? How many times have we given in to fear? How many times have we questioned God? While we are in the middle of our situations do we sometimes forget who we serve?
When I look at my circle of friends, they have every reason to quit, give up, doubt, fear, anger, worry, and become faithless. They are dealing with health, caretaking, Alzheimer’s, Cancer, divorce, separation, death, grief, advocacy, weariness, addictions, mental health, depression, and family. Their testimony is the unyielding strength of their faith. Through it all, this community of friends remains prayerful, faithful, unbroken, and purposeful. From all appearances, no one would ever have to say to them, “Ye of little faith.” However, everyone has a moment. And at that moment, it’s not that we lose faith because we know who is our source, but we fall into an abyss of feeling attacked and not trusting. We forget who’s in control. We shouldn’t beat ourselves up because even Peter had another encounter.
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:23-33.
The commonality in our situations is the same as Peter and the disciples. We have strong convictions; yet, there are times when we give in to fear (Oh ye of little faith). But ultimately, there is no situation that is impossible because we know who we serve.
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