"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33*).
My wife's grandmother used to say, "If you have health, you have everything." Now, as I go through various health issues, I see things differently. Although health is important, I prefer to say, "If you have faith, you can face anything."
The passage from Matthew 8:23-27 describes the disciples' fear during an unexpected storm. They wake the Lord Jesus, who calms the storm and then rebukes them: "Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26*). I believe Christ wants to point out that with Him alongside, they can face anything.
We see evidence of this later when the same disciples undergo a dramatic transformation. Filled with the Holy Spirit and guided by the Lord Jesus, they spread the gospel near and far, fulfilling the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:16-20). The disciples encounter persecution and dangers at multiple points. Once fearful and confused, they now display remarkable bravery, with some even losing their lives for the gospel.
It is their faith in the Lord Jesus that is the cause of this change.
In our lives, we will face challenges, but Christ is always with us, providing peace and courage in difficult times.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2024-10-01
* Bible quotations are from The Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013