Little Faith

And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" (Matt. 8:26 ESV) 

What does it mean to have real faith?

"For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)." Faith is one of those concepts that is difficult to comprehend. We know we are to walk by faith and not by sight, but what exactly does that mean? What does it look like to live a life of authentic faith? 

Recently, our student ministry began a new series with our middle and high school students called "little faith". The series is based on the five stories in the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says these words, "O you of little faith." In each story, Jesus accuses his disciples of having little faith. However, his purpose is not to crush them, but to call them up to something greater! His desire is to see them reject a life of little faith and to embrace a life of genuine, real faith. Let's call it, BIG FAITH.

In Matthew 8:23-27, we read the familiar story of Jesus calming the storm, but here's my challenge for you: I ask you to hear this story like it is the first time you've ever heard it. Ask God to open your eyes to the powerful truth of this story and seek to apply those truths to your life.    

Big Idea of Matthew 8:23-27 = You were created to have faith in Jesus and to bring him glory! 

What is Big Faith?

1. Faith requires following Jesus! (v.23) "And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him." 

2. When life happens, faith trusts Jesus! (v.24) "And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep."

3. Faith must be evident in your head, heart and actions! (v.25) "And they went and woke him, saying, 'Save us, Lord; we are perishing.'" 

4. You were created for faith in Jesus! (v.26a) "And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?'"

5. Jesus is worthy of our faith! (v.26b-27) “Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the winds and sea obey him?’”

So, in the great storms you face today, how's your faith? Like the disciples, are you exhibiting little faith? Or, are you living a life of big faith, trusting in Jesus to satisfy your every need? In the middle of your storm, Jesus is calling you to hold on to him.