EXPERIENCES BUILD FAITH

Mark 4:38 "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

The storm was raging, and the angry waves were battering the boat. The desperate, fearful disciples were struggling to remain afloat, and Jesus was asleep on a pillow at the hinder part of the boat. The disciples were so caught up in trying to save themselves, that they had forgotten that Jesus was aboard the boat. After realizing the futility of their efforts, the disciples turned to Jesus and said, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

From the question that the disciples asked Jesus, it was clear that they saw the letters 'D, E, A, T, H'  written on the churning waves. They were perplexed and confused to the point that they thought Jesus no longer cared for them. There are times when we find ourselves in similar situations. We can become overwhelmed by the negative circumstances that surround us. The darkness of our experiences can becloud and obscure any ray of hope that may be there.

Regardless of the nature of our encounters, there is never a time, when the compassionate, kind, and loving Jesus, does not care. Psalms 23:4 reminds us that, though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil: for thou art with us; thy rod and thy staff they comfort us.     There are ordeals that Jesus allows so that we can build our trust and confidence in Him.

Every experience, whether it be troubling or not, is a faith-building opportunity. May we not miss the opportunities for faith-building, for without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)