Our Lord Jesus taught us our measure of faith when he calmed the stormy sea (Luke 8:22-25 and Mark 4: 35-41). “And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith?” The disciple's faith was overwhelmed by the raging sea.   The Christian life is like sailing in the stormy sea. It is not always smooth sailing. There will be times when unexpected storms of disappointment, hurts, pain, sorrow, illnesses, financial needs, broken relationships, loss of loved ones, and many more examples to overwhelm us. These trials often shake our faith in Christ Jesus. In times like these, what must we do? How should we carry forward our pilgrim journey on this earth?

The answer is to have faith in Jesus Christ. A more significant measure of mature faith. Faced with impending death, the disciples did the right thing to call upon the Lord to save them. However, their eyes were not focused on the Lord's presence with them but on the storm. Their cry "we perish" reflects their fear and their doubt and unbelief that the Lord doesn't care for them. Are we not like the disciples many times? We focus only on our circumstances and not our Lord. Fear and unbelief overtake our faith in the Lord. The gentle rebuke "Where is your faith?"  is an excellent reminder to us who are often gripped by fear and doubt.

We need to look to God by faith and take God at His Word while trusting in His promises to grow in the measure of faith. God not only saved us through faith but also enrolled us as students like His disciples in the school of faith. We need to grow in the measure and maturity of faith. It is His will that we make spiritual progress in faith. Every day is a learning experience for us to learn more, unlearn some wrong things, and re-learn the precious lessons of faith. God has provided for us the means to grow in faith. The only textbook in the school of faith is God's Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God's purpose of testing our faith is to form Christ-likeness in us. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

(James 1:2-3). Let us continue to have faith in God by submitting ourselves to God and obeying His Word. When our faith in anchored in the God's Word, during storms of life, we will respond like the psalmist with a greater measure of faith, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24.

During the storms of life, we need to trust God completely in His presence and promises. In the calmness of God's peace that settled over the sea, the Lord then said to His disciples, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The Lord is asking, "How is it that you do not trust my presence and promises". Even though the disciples failed the test of faith, Christ our Lord dealt with the object of their fear. Likewise, how often we have experienced the love of our Saviour in responding to our desperate cries for help even when we fail Him miserably. Oh, what a wonderful Saviour is Jesus our Lord and Master. Psalm 91:4 reminds us of God's love and protection over us – “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” May we not forget what our Lord Jesus had to go through to set us free from the bondage of the sin and devil. He loves you eternally. You are much more precious now in His sight. Trust in His promises. He never fails.

Our part is to continue to trust God and obey His Word. The result of such trust is always inward peace. Only God can provide this inward peace and calm the storms of anxieties and fears in our hearts. It has the same effect our Lord did when He “arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39). This is the peace that we have received from Jesus our God and Great Shepherd – “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).

How then do we build or fortify our faith? The only way to build up your faith is to cleave unto His Holy inerrant, infallible Word. There must be the faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word for our conviction, revival, edification, and blessings. The Apostle Paul exhorted the Elders of Ephesus – “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32). We, the leaders or the church, must stand squarely on the Word of God and must preach and teach. Faith comes and grows by hearing God's Word. 

We must help ourselves and one another in fortifying the faith. The Lord has put us together to edify us in the most holy faith. In obedience to His Word, we work together to serve the Lord by praying for one another, by encouraging one another to put God first. We should care for each other through love and fellowship and also must get involved in the various ministries of our Church. Let us continue to build on Christ and His Word. He is The Solid Rock on whom we stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Build your life on the firm foundation of Jesus and His Word.

We check ourselves this morning. Healthy bodies can fight off minor infections before they become serious. Like cancer, sin consumes our spiritual health. A spiritually healthy faith is necessary to ward off the sins and its temptation through flesh, world, and Satan. Like a body is strengthened through proper nourishment and exercise, we must build up our faith and keep the whole body of Christ united for His glory. Do you have peace of God during the storms of life? Trust His Word and submit wholeheartedly. Look to Jesus and commit your circumstances to God's keep. We fortify our faith by looking unto Jesus. We can truly smile at the storm with Christ in our vessel. Exercise your faith in life situations study, work, decisions making, marriage, and relationship problems. He will deliver thee. He will calm the storm or will calm you with His strength and peace to face the storm. Grow in the measure of faith.

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