Daily Devo
Steady Faith
By: Gina Welsh
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:24-27
Despite severe physical, emotional, or financial struggles, some people's faith never wavers. How do they do it? They accept God's sovereignty in every season of their lives, including their trials. They may struggle with feelings of doubt, anxiety, and fear; they just don't live there. We all probably know a few people like that...
We also know the stories about Jesus' disciples, and their lives were anything but easy. The Bible gives us a front-row view of both their faith and their doubts. I admire each of them for various reasons, but the Apostle Paul always comes to mind when I think about strong faith during a trial. I think Paul's faith began to grow exponentially after He met God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). Later, Paul and Silas' strong faith allowed them to sing praises to God from prison (Acts 16:25). Prior to meeting Jesus, Paul was going the wrong way (persecuting the church). God instantly sent him another way (the right way) after he met Jesus. Paul's life instantly changed when he met the living God!
Throughout Paul's life trials rolled in like the never-ending waves of the ocean. But through them all, his faith remained steady. We can read about the incredible things God did in Paul's life in scripture, but God has done (and will do) incredible things in our lives too! In our opening verse from Matthew, the disciples wondered, "What kind of man is this?" (Matthew 8:27). The correct answer? "...the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." (Matthew 16:16) Like Paul, if we want our life to dramatically change, we must put our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ!
The next time you're in a trial, keep your faith steady by fixing your mind on God and His infallible Word.