for the cowardly
Given the right circumstances it’s normal for men to be cowardly. The threat of a monster eating you. Well, I hope you know what I mean. Helplessly trapped, looking doom in the face, desperately seeking help, then rescued by the calming of the threatening situation. That describes the behavior of Jesus’ disciples who traveled with Him. If we too are traveling with Him, it is a good time to learn from their embarrassing displays of fear.
“When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you (cowardly) afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Matthew 8: 23-27 NASB)
When we are traveling with Him, Jesus is with us in our every situation. So, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) We usually do not know the reason for God’s will at the time, but it always proves itself for the good given more time. In the midst of the storm, it’s good to remind ourselves that what we know must be believed to bring calm. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB) Best of all, remind yourself of God’s good purpose.
“For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26 NASB) Faith scares away the boogeyman, is victorious over the fear of man and the lies of God’s enemy. The disciples were not forewarned of the storm, it came rapidly. They had not yet seen His power over death, but we have! Jesus has taken away our reason to fear. His great calm is awesome, when we simply enter His rest. Oh! If we panic? Jesus is there waiting for us to call.
His Family Table 