Got enough Faith?

 Today's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 22 / NT - Mark 4:21-41

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  - Mark 4:39-40

Some years ago we had a gentle and loving Australian Shepherd. She would greet everyone in the family with a wagging tale and "happy to see you" howl when we came home. But, she had one weakness; she was nervous around fire engines and loud trucks. No matter how often I told her that there's no reason to be afraid, she just couldn't seem to settle down and be at peace. Apparently, she had little faith in what I said.

Is it not amazing that the wind and sea responded so quickly at the words of our Lord? Jesus spoke and "the wind ceased, and there was a great calm". Yet, the disciples were completely unable to experience the same peaceful calm in their hearts. This is far too often the case; the words of Jesus were just not enough to calm their nerves. Apparently they had little faith in what He said.

Is this your story as well my friend? Can you recall numerous verses that tell of God's great power and faithful care of His children? And yet, in the face of stormy situations do you find that you are still often afraid? Is it true that no matter how much you know, you just can't settle down and be at peace? Well, maybe you need a little more faith in the One who "makes the clouds his chariot"... and "rides the wings of the wind" (Psalm 104:3). You need to give your fear to the One who says "Peace! Be still" and find your own "great calm".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 23 /  NT - Mark 5:1-20