Dear God,
Jesus on earth had faith that grew in communion with You His Father and by being filled with the Holy Spirit; and by this faith He successfully passed through the trials ahead. Jesus knows that we will go through trials and hardship upon earth. We read in scripture that it is no different for us, unless we have a strong faith in God and His Holy word, received with much diligent study, our faith in God can falter under persecution and harassment.
We often do not appreciate that we at times are not fully filled with the Holy Spirit, and have insufficient living faith founded upon God and His word, that will endure in all situations. A young man that was self-assured in His relationship with Jesus came Matthew 8:19 “a certain scribe came and said to Him, ‘Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” The life of Jesus was one of self-sacrifice, and no purpose was served by Him having house and property. This is certainly not the lifestyle that most could happily continue in. Verse 20 “And Jesus said to him, ‘foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” This gentle answer revealed that this young man did not fully know his heart.
For my faith to grow, and reveal it is founded strongly upon my belief in God and His unchanging Word, the business of Jesus will be placed ahead of my own. So often we say I will serve Jesus after, I have done this for myself, Verse 22 “Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
The disciples revealed their lack of spiritual preparation that would have allowed each to rest in Jesus by faith. Verse 24“And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.” The disciples in great fear and distress woke Jesus, believing He would save them.” Verse 26 “He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ ”Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm.”
Jesus You still have control of all things, and power over the winds and seas. I desire to grow in faith, and abide in Your still valid promise, ‘I will give you peace, not as the world gives it.’
Amen