Luke 8:22-56 Building Our Faith

Jesus’ words to His disciples had helped them to understand “mysteries that were hidden from the scribes and rabbis and even from the Old Testament prophets.  What they did not realize is that faith must be tested before it can be trusted… Satan does not care how much Bible truth we learn so long as we do not live it.  Truth that is only in the head is purely academic and never will get into the heart until it is practiced by the will … Satan knows that academic truth is not dangerous, but active truth is,” my commentary said.

In verses 22-25, Jesus gave His disciples a word of command that was also a word of promise; they were going to the opposite shore.  They forgot this promise during the storm.  “Their problem was not the storm around them, but the unbelief within them.  Actually, their unbelief was more dangerous than the storm!”

“Faith is not believing in spite of circumstances; it is obeying in spite of feelings and consequences … Faith and fear cannot dwell together in the same heart.”

My commentary also mentions a woman who quoted, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee,” to D.L. Moody as a wonderful promise she’d received.  He said, “Let me give you a better one.  ‘Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.’”

Father, thank You for teaching me to trust in You through the many times You have tested my faith.  I have many friends who are going through similar tests of their own faith right now.  Please help them to know that they can trust You absolutely, because You have Your very best planned for them.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford