Part one of Nothing to Fear says God actually commands us not to fear or worry. The phrase “fear not” is used at least 80 times in the Bible, because He knows the enemy uses fear to decrease our hope and limit our victories.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
The disciples of Jesus spent a lot of time with Him and saw Him perform many miracles. So this day should have been like all the others.
“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.”
~ Luke 8:22-23~
You would think that they’d have a lot of faith and have no fear. But in their humanity, it became evident they had more faith that the storm would destroy them than in Jesus saving them.
“And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.” ~Luke 8:24~
The significance of Jesus calming the storm is pertinent to what’s happening in our world today and is evidence of God’s love for us. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our lives. We’re flooded by numerous types of storms daily. These storms are both internal and external. The intense surges of emotion within us are due to our humanity while the chaotic circumstances around us are beyond our control.
Right now, many can relate to the disciples’ fear when the storm first hit.
There have been many epidemics and even pandemics throughout history. Now we have many skilled scientists in the world. So, it seemed that we should have been prepared for COVID-19. But as country after country and state after state go into lockdown, the same fear and panic the disciples experienced looms over us.
When things come upon us suddenly, we find out what’s in our hearts.
After Jesus calmed the storm, he asked the disciples a question.
“Where is your faith?” ~ Luke 8:25
A good question for us to ask ourselves as COVID-19 rages on, where is our faith?
Jesus may have rebuked the disciples for their weak faith, but he didn’t abandon them to let them drown. Instead, he calmed the storm and then continued to teach them who he was and demonstrated what it was to have faith in God.
Do we have more faith in the pandemic than in the mercy and grace of God?
There is not a disease that Jesus is unable to heal. Not a storm Jesus is not able to protect us from.
If the fear in us is stronger than our faith, we can turn to God and he’ll teach us because his mercy endures forever.
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.
~Psalm 136:1~
Feeding on God’s Word will build your faith and calm the storm raging within you.
“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” ~ 2 John 1:3~
LIFE FROM A CHAPLAIN'S POINT OF VIEW 