Are You Fearful or Faithful?

The detours of the Holy Spirit have returned me to chapter eight in the gospel of Matthew.  This chapter has many miracles performed by Jesus.  Of particular interest at this time are the verses of twenty-three thru twenty-seven where the waters and wind were calmed by Jesus.

The disciples were afraid for their lives so they turned to Jesus for help.  Jesus asked them, ""Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith (v.26)?  The portion of "O ye of little faith" reminds me of a friend of mine who often said before passing away that she was not afraid of dying, but she expressed concern about what was going to happen while she lived until the time of her death.

During a visit with my friend while she was in the hospital, our conversation turned toward the struggles that come along with the Christian walk.  "O ye of little faith" were words she uttered to steer her back to faith to get through those tough times of her Christian walk.  Each time I come across those words in searching the scriptures, I am reminded of my friend's testimony of the Lord.   How powerful those words of Jesus are to move me to supplication for an increase in faith.

Jesus gives the directive to have faith in God in the eleventh chapter of Mark verse twenty-two.  There is a hymn by B.B. McKinney with the title of Jesus' words that you may find encouraging.  God is with you every step of the way!  Here are the words of the hymn:

Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely, He sees and knows all the way you have trod; Never alone are the least of His children; Have faith in God, have faith in God.

Have faith in God when your pray'rs are unanswered, Your earnest plea He will never forget; Wait on the Lord, trust His Word and be patient, Have faith in God, He'll answer yet. 

Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow, His heart is touched with your grief and despair; Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him, And leave them there, oh, leave them there.

Have faith in God tho all else fail about you; Have faith in God, He provides for His own; He cannot fail tho all kingdoms shall perish, He rules, He reigns upon His throne.

Refrain

Have faith in God, He's on His throne; Have faith in God, He watches o'er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, have faith in God.