Coaches Corner - Faith & Fear

Cross Waves Church

Coaches Corner

Faith & Fear

          Much has been said about this topic in the last few weeks as we look to understand how we study the Bible, serve others, and share our faith together. So, what does this look like in our HotSpots on a practical level? The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, & Luke) have a great story to emphasize this topic. Our passage can be found in Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; & Luke 8:22-25. It’s the story of Jesus in the boat with His disciples and the storm on the Sea of Galilee.

            A little background to this story is, the Sea of Galilee (a fresh-water lake in northern Israel) is rimmed by hills and valleys that can funnel high winds that can whip up white caps abruptly. These violent waves, however, do not fully subside for 24-48 hours, making this miracle in our story remarkable. 

            Think of this.  Jesus knew the storm was coming but ushered them into the boat anyway. This storm was used by Jesus to teach something to not only the disciples but to us. First, we ask just like the disciple did, “Does God care?” “Save us, Lord!” “We’re going to drown!” In our context “What are we going to do?” “How can we survive this pandemic, economically, socially, and spiritually?” These questions and more are swirling around our minds as we navigate this uncertainty.

But God's response to us was the same response Jesus gave to His disciples on the boat. “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” We know God’s power to control the outcome is sure. Jesus didn’t stop with the storm. The greatest danger to the disciples and us was unbelief. Furthermore, let’s allow fear to call our faith to action rather than into question.

            Paul gives us a strong statement in Romans 12:3 when he says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Also in Romans 8:28 he says, and we know that God causes everything to work together, for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

            In closing, let me assure you that Cross Waves Church staff is praying for you and coming alongside you (digitally) to serve the needs of your HotSpot and your families as we strive to become more like Christ as we study the Bible, serve others, and share our faith together.