Where is Your Faith?

One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!"

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?" Luke 8:22-25

I've often wondered about this story and Jesus' question to his disciples. What did he mean when he asked them, "Where is your faith?" Did he expect them to call out to God before they woke him up? "Why didn't you pray?" Maybe.

Did he expect them to believe that nothing bad would ever happen to them and that they would make it through the storm? Doubtful. It said they were in danger. It was real.

Was he mad at them for waking him up? Did he expect them to have faith to calm the storm? Don't think that's the case either. It was the wind and the raging waves he rebuked, not his disciples.

Was he frustrated that he had to rescue them...again? Get them out of a jam? I don't think his question was a reprimand or a scolding, and I don't think he was disappointed in them. God isn't like that. Like I said before, it was the wind and waves that received the rebuke.

I believe he was getting them to think. Times of crisis are good teaching opportunities. Where is your faith? What do you believe about me? Are you getting who I am? Apparently, up to that point, they weren't getting it, because they were afraid and marveled at the obedience of the winds and water. Maybe when they saw his authority over the natural realm, they started to get it then.

Anyway, I believe he asks us the same question now and then. In the midst of life, when good stuff happens and when the storm comes (particularly when the storms come), he asks us, Where is your faith? What do you believe about me? Do you know who I am? Are you getting it that I love you and will take care of you? That nothing is impossible for me?

Where is your faith today?