Strengthening Faith in Jesus

Strengthening Faith in Jesus: Overcome Doubt and Fear in Today’s World as He Binds the Restless Wave

Jun 23, 2024 – 5th Sunday after Pentecost | Mark 4:35-41

Faith in Jesus

Do you still not believe? Do you still lack faith? These challenging words from our Lord resonate today. Christians often struggle to truly believe in Jesus. It may sound odd, as even non-Christians recognize that Christianity centers on faith in Jesus. However, as a dedicated churchgoer sitting in these pews, you know it's true: believing in Jesus can be difficult. It doesn't take much to shake our faith.

In today's Gospel lesson, the disciples' fear seems understandable from our viewpoint. Jesus had told them, "Let us go across to the other side of the Sea of Galilee." Despite the late hour, they followed His instruction. As they sailed, a violent windstorm arose, waves crashed into the boat, and it began filling with water. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep.

Belief amidst Suffering

This is what I mean when I say it's hard to believe. It's not just that believing in God without visible evidence is challenging—though it is. We don't see the Holy Spirit at work in baptism or the body and blood of Christ in communion, yet we confess these as miracles where God is active. We modern Christians didn't witness Jesus healing the blind or raising the dead; we walk by faith, not by sight, and that's already difficult.

It becomes even harder when we suffer. We compare God's promises to our reality and ask, "Jesus, where are you? Because if you're with me, it doesn't feel like it." We face failing health, accidents, broken relationships, and financial struggles. Even though we acknowledge our sinfulness, we often feel, like Job, that we aren't to blame for our suffering. And Job was right—the Bible teaches that he was righteous and suffered not because of his sin but because the devil attacked him, with God's permission.

Christians suffer from external forces. The devil's purpose is clear: he wants us to believe God's judgment isn't fair, that maybe God is with us but not on our side. "Jesus, do you not care that we are perishing?" But Jesus is on your side. God was on Job's side.

God's Response to Temptation and Distress

It's in that moment, when faith wavers and unbelief creeps in, that the devil uses his temptations and inflicts physical, emotional, and spiritual distress. He awakens the old sinful self within you, causing you to question God and His love.

That's the moment when God shows up. It's the moment when God confronts Job and when Jesus wakes up in our Gospel reading. Jesus rebukes the wind and says to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceases, and a great calm follows. The wind and sea, far more powerful than we are, obey Him.

God, who created the wind and sea, has control over them. Where were you when God laid the earth's foundation or set the sea's limits? You weren't there, but God was. And Jesus was there, too, as the second person of the Trinity, shaping creation. Only the Word of God can command the sea and wind, and they obey.

Despite His power and authority over creation, Jesus's primary concern is not the wind and sea but His disciples. He didn't wake up because of the storm. He woke up in response to them. Jesus' concern is for you.

Fear vs Faith: Comfort in God's Message

The message in this Gospel is directed at you: "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" You might hear these words and think, "That's not very comforting. Jesus just scolded me. I don't feel better after hearing that." Let's take a closer look.

At the beginning of the Gospel, the disciples were afraid of the sea and the wind, which were indeed formidable. Similarly, in the Old Testament, Job faced catastrophes and ailments that were much stronger than he was. Despite these powerful external forces, neither Job nor the disciples stopped believing in God. They knew He was there and in charge. The disciples knew Jesus was with them in the boat.

The problem was that they thought God didn't care. By the end of both narratives, Job and the disciples are reminded of something they should have always known: the threats in this world should never make us fear the world more than we fear God. And they should never make us question whether God is on our side.

Job's Restoration and Disciples' Faith

When God confronts Job, He reminds him that He is far greater than the world, even greater than its foundations. Job can't possibly have God's perspective on creation. From his limited viewpoint, Job wonders if God still loves him. But God sees a man who, despite his righteousness, has started to rely on himself. God allows Job to suffer and then reminds him who's truly righteous and in charge. This leads Job to repent in dust and ashes, and the Lord restores him—his health, wealth, and family.

Similarly, when Jesus confronts His disciples, He first addresses their immediate danger. With just a word, He calms the sea and the wind, saving them from the storm. Only then does He rebuke their lack of faith, the true threat to them.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus did care that His disciples were perishing. He saved them with a word before addressing their unbelief. He cares about you, too.

Peace in Jesus

He does not want you to look at the struggles of this world and question His presence or love. He can't allow those doubts to linger in your mind. So, let your Lord scold you sometimes. Let Him rebuke you for your struggle to believe. This is Jesus speaking to you as your Good Shepherd. He truly cares about you and knows exactly what you need to hear and when.

By the time He speaks these words to you, He has already resolved the biggest problem in your life. This world cannot truly harm you. The same Jesus who calmed the sea and wind has already put away your sins. He died for you. You should fear Him more than the sea and the wind, recognizing His power and His love. When He rebukes you, He does so because He loves you and knows what you need to hear. Let your Lord scold you—not to scare you away but to draw you closer, reminding you to believe in Him. He's reminding you that He has already saved you.

Even when you struggle to believe, Jesus still loves you. Even when you are unfaithful, He remains faithful. He is not asleep in your life. He was crucified for you, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He is clothed with immortality and promises the same to you. Jesus is with you and is always alert. He knows what you need. He reminds you of your sin and unbelief but then strengthens your faith and gives you His peace.

When our crucified and risen Lord came to the disciples on Easter Sunday, they were once again afraid and disbelieving. He did not accuse them; instead, He said, "Peace be with you." He is about to speak that same word to you. He is about to come to you in His body and blood, forgive your sins, and give you His peace.