Faith in the storm

[Listening to: 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus - America's Favorite - America's 25 Favorite Hymns (02:02)]

Matthew, the evangelist to the church, includes the story of Peter venturing out on the water when the others don't. Not only does Jesus have power over nature, but Peter, and by extension we, can share in that power while we lock eyes with Him. When Peter lost confidence in Christ, and began to trust his eyes and understanding more than his Master, he started to go down- a living object lesson to our salvation by faith.

Paul gives the theological, soteriogical, aspect of this walking parable. We live by our faith. Not by strong-arming our way into heaven or hell to find Christ, but by listening and echoing the Divine Whisper.

Elijah learned that the presence of God wasn't in his glorious manifestation as great as it was in the silence. He saw that God had power over nature creating storm, quake, and flame. Surely he could trust and not despair when God declares he will bring forth a remnant! Can you imagine watching these powerful signs of God's Glory blowing by you, then comes a silence so oppressive with his Glory, so saturated with his Presence that you have to cover your face and go to meet the whisper. Doesn't this build your faith?

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,
that his glory may dwell in our land.
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.

The story of Joseph too builds our faith. He is sold into slavery by his brothers, talk of a dark time…. But the Psalmist reveals God's purpose. We can trust him!