Pastor column: Three truths that will help your faith become stronger
In Matthew 8 is the story of Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee — when suddenly a storm arose so that their boat was covered with the waves. Now Jesus was asleep; the disciples woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” He then got up and rebuked the sea and there was a great calm. His disciples marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (vs. 23-27).
One of the most important quality characteristics that a Christian must have is faith. We, like the disciples, must walk by faith or we will walk by fear. Every day you and I must choose to live by faith.
Here are three truths that will help your faith become stronger. First, God doesn’t get shook up by your storms. Look what the Bible tells us in Proverbs 3: “Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” (vs. 24-26).
Secondly, God is bigger than your circumstances. The Bible says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) God is stronger than any storm. He is greater than any test, trial or trouble.
Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging … The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (vs. 1-3, 7). I can walk by faith because God is stronger and greater than any circumstance I will ever find myself in. He is an ever-present help in trouble!
Third, walking in faith builds faith. Here’s a fact about faith. The more faith I use the more I gain. Think about it. Noah was asked to build an ark even though it had never rained. Noah built it in faith; it rained. Noah’s faith became stronger. Joshua was told to march around Jericho for seven days in faith; the walls fell down. Joshua’s faith became stronger. God has never asked you to do the impossible even though it may seem unreasonable at the time.
I think that after the storm was calmed the disciples had more stronger faith. Do you have faith in Jesus when storms hit? He can calm the storm and you. “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Put your faith in Him and He will take what faith you have and make it grow stronger!
Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Three truths that will help your Christian faith become stronger
