“One day He and His disciples got into a boat, and He told them, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.’ So they set out, and as they were sailing he fell asleep. Then a fierce windstorm came down on the lake; they were being swamped and were in danger. They came and woke Him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to die!’ Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’” - Luke 8:22-25
In this account from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is awakened by His disciples when a storm seems to be threatening their lives. In the middle of what they considered a frightening situation, Jesus asks them, “Where is your faith?”
Once at a summer camp, I observed three kids struggling to maneuver a canoe in a small pond. As the camp counselor sat on the shoreline and yelled directions to them, the children became confused and scared. From what I could tell, their feelings were probably brought on by the fact that they were not listening to the counselor or that they were just making wrong decisions. Nonetheless, they didn’t understand how to properly paddle and they lacked the faith that they would be safe.
Soon, the kids drifted to the opposite side of the pond. Added to their list of worries now was how they would get back to the other side. But when they reached the opposite shore, there was an individual there who was able to direct them. He told them how to paddle and then gave them a push in the right direction. Now confident and able, the kids soon reached the original dock safely.
In a time of confusion and fear, these kids looked to a stranger for help. This man showed patience, compassion and love to others who were lost and scared.
If we look at our lives in the context of this story, we all can identify with the kids in the canoe. We all have struggled or are struggling to find the proper direction in life. We get overwhelmed with situations in our sports, at work, with friends, in school, and in the basic demands of a fast-paced society. Often, these feelings are the results of our own mistakes. But the good news is that the “stranger” on the opposite shore is Christ, and, in those times when we feel lost and hopeless, all He wants us to do is calm down and trust Him. Once we do that, we’ll be able to hear His instruction and receive His love. He’ll let us know how to paddle to safety and will give us the confidence to know that we can do all things through Him. And, without a doubt, He’ll also be there to give us a little push back in the right direction.
- Think about your role as an athlete or coach. Do you ever feel lost on the court or field? How do you work through that?
- What about in life? When was the last time you felt lost and confused?
- Why is it often difficult to look to Christ for guidance and direction?
- In what area of your life do you need to calm down and trust Him?
Isaiah 40:28-31
Hebrews 11:1-16
