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01-16-2008, 03:58 AM
“Where is your Faith?”
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“The disciples went and woke [Jesus], 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.” — Luke 8:24-25 NIV
Stress is an enemy of a peaceful life. It can raise our blood pressure and cause negative feelings such as anger, anxiety or fear. If these continue, they can actually make us physically ill.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm. The disciples were terrified, but when they called on Jesus, he quieted the storm. But he asked a significant question — "Where is your faith?" They were with him in many tight situations and he always found the solution, but they were still under great stress.
Suppose you're at work and you have a boss who constantly criticizes. You want to lash out at the boss or quit the job, but you need the money, so you have to swallow your anger. By the time you leave work and go home, you're in a nasty mood and it doesn't take much to cause family arguments, which add to your stress. If not resolved, the stress deepens and ruins a good night's sleep.
If you are unable to make a change that will resolve the outside stress, you need to be able to change your attitude, so that the problems do not affect you so deeply. How do you do that? I believe we can learn something from today's scripture. The disciples were stressed out by the danger of drowning in the storm and they turned to the Master. He was able to bring calm, but he questioned their lack of faith.
Prayerful living during the good times can give you the faith to turn your stress over to the Lord and allow him to bring calm to your soul. I have found that he is utterly dependable and will never fail us.
Lord Jesus, just as you calmed the storm on the sea, I ask that you calm the stress in my life. I trust in you and I thank you. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”
Listen to this Prayerful Living message in:
Real Audio MP3
“The disciples went and woke [Jesus], 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.” — Luke 8:24-25 NIV
Stress is an enemy of a peaceful life. It can raise our blood pressure and cause negative feelings such as anger, anxiety or fear. If these continue, they can actually make us physically ill.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm. The disciples were terrified, but when they called on Jesus, he quieted the storm. But he asked a significant question — "Where is your faith?" They were with him in many tight situations and he always found the solution, but they were still under great stress.
Suppose you're at work and you have a boss who constantly criticizes. You want to lash out at the boss or quit the job, but you need the money, so you have to swallow your anger. By the time you leave work and go home, you're in a nasty mood and it doesn't take much to cause family arguments, which add to your stress. If not resolved, the stress deepens and ruins a good night's sleep.
If you are unable to make a change that will resolve the outside stress, you need to be able to change your attitude, so that the problems do not affect you so deeply. How do you do that? I believe we can learn something from today's scripture. The disciples were stressed out by the danger of drowning in the storm and they turned to the Master. He was able to bring calm, but he questioned their lack of faith.
Prayerful living during the good times can give you the faith to turn your stress over to the Lord and allow him to bring calm to your soul. I have found that he is utterly dependable and will never fail us.
Lord Jesus, just as you calmed the storm on the sea, I ask that you calm the stress in my life. I trust in you and I thank you. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”