Daily EncouragementNäide

“All was calm” when the Lord asked this question of his disciples. However, a moment before “the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger” in the midst of “the wind and the raging water.” They were amazed by his power over the elements. In one sense we are more amazed by the question itself: “Where is your faith?” The disciples were not day-trippers who would fear the odd wave coming over the side- they were experienced seamen. Their cry, “Master we’re going to drown!” was not an exaggeration. Moreover, it showed concern for him as well as for themselves.

He expects us to trust him, come what may. Lilias Trotter of Algiers well expresses what this involves: “Trust in a Christ who is not working - ‘He answered her not a word.’ Trust in a Christ who seems not to be caring - ‘Asleep on a pillow.’ Trust in a Christ who seems to have failed - ‘He that should have redeemed Israel.’”

Real faith trusts a sleeping Christ in the midst of the tempest. This is the implication of Jesus’ question. Real faith believes, even when the wind is still raging, that “with Christ in the vessel, we’ll weather the storm.”