According to the New Testament, faith is always based on the word of the Lord. If we did not have a word from the Lord, we would not have any basis for our faith. The Lord’s word produces faith. What was the word given to the disciples by the Lord in this instance? It was the word, recorded in [Luke chapter 8] verse 22: “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” Since the Lord had spoken this word, certainly He would fulfill it.
In [Luke] 8:22-25 the disciples had not only the Lord’s word but the Lord Himself. He was with the disciples in the boat. In that situation the disciples had the word of the Lord and the Lord Himself.
Since the disciples had both the Lord’s word and His presence, they should have been at peace, not caring about the storm. The Lord had told them to go to the other side of the lake, and the Lord was with them in the boat. They should not have been frightened by the storm.
Our trouble as today’s followers of the Lord is that when a storm comes we often forget the Lord’s word. Furthermore, instead of looking at the Lord, we may look at the storm. We all need to learn that whenever we are on a journey following the Lord and a storm arises, we should look at the sleeping Lord and not at the storm. We should not care for the storm- we should care for the Lord’s word. The Lord always fulfills His word. Hence, when He tells us to go over to the other side, we may be sure that we shall reach the other side, no matter what kind of storms may come.
Our trouble as today’s followers of the Lord is that when a storm comes we often forget the Lord’s word.
We need to believe the Lord and not look back at our environment or circumstances. Instead of looking at the storm, let us look at the resting Lord. Which will you follow—the storm or the resting Lord? We may even want to say to the Lord, “Lord, since You are resting, I shall rest with you. Let the wind blow. Because You are resting, I can rest with You.”
Instead of looking at the storm, let us look at the resting Lord.
Often in our journey with the Lord we shall encounter a storm or a whirlwind. Then we may become distracted and forget the Lord’s word and the fact that He is with us and is at rest. Are you able to say, “Lord, since You are resting, I shall rest also”? Let us all learn to practice this.
According to the portrait in Luke, while we are taking the way ordained by the Lord, the Lord will be at rest, and the enemy will be busy. The evil spirits and the demons will be active to cause storms to frustrate us on our journey. We need to remember that actually this is not our journey; it is the Lord’s journey, and we are journeying with Him. We are taking His way, and He is on the way with us. In fact, He is even in the boat with us. Instead of being troubled, we should have peace in the resting Lord. (Life-study of Luke, pp. 161-162)
Prayer: "Lord Jesus, speak to me in the midst of the storm. I want to look away from all the troubles of human life unto You. I want You to come into my life. Thank You, Lord, that in You I can find rest and peace. "
The church in Zamboanga 