Where is your faith?

It had been a long day of ministry that began with confrontations that continued amidst the press of immense crowds. So as the shadows lengthened, Jesus moved to the stern of the boat, where he wearily reclined and soon fell into a deep sleep. The disciples hoisted sail and began the five-mile trip across the lake, followed by a group of admirers in their boats.

It must have made a beautiful scene as they moved slowly across the calm sea with their patched sails backlit by the rising stars, when suddenly "without warning" (Matthew 8:24), they encountered a terrific storm. The Lord was fast asleep, and he remained asleep despite the howling wind and the wet spray. Does he know or care? The storm did not disturb the Master, but the unbelief of his disciples did. "He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still'

Perhaps there's a storm raging in your life. Maybe your relationship is floundering and about to sink. Or there's stress in your job. Your storm could be some terrible disease or an errant child or grandchild. Amid the fury and confusion, you can trust that the Lord can use such an act of trust to bring us into more profound grace.