The sky puffs up dark gray, and storm clouds darkening the horizon are coming in like a bully looking for a fight. Lightning crackles within the gray, sending moms scrambling for children and beach towels as the wind playfully kicks up sand on the beach. A small plastic bucket once part of the montage of castles, tumble-stumbles and rolls down the beach beneath the red warning flag, with children crying for it’s return. Soon the sky bleeds into on grey mass with the ocean as rain hammers down on vacationers.
Not far from the water’s edge is a shrimp boat slowly dragging its nets is heading into the storm. The boat rocks side to side and white caps crash into its side trying to see if it can be toppled. Soon the boat fades from sight as gray rain touches the blue gulf and the two become one.
Storms of life rarely arrive without notice. We see the signs and hope it passes. Red flags wave their warning and we choose to believe we will never need to endure such issues, because harm only comes to others – the weak and unprepared.
I wonder if the disciples thought the storm would pass by right up until the time the waves began to make a swamped the deck, and tried to drag the boat into the dark abyss?
Rembrandt painted the scene of Christ calming the sea.
If you’ll look closely, you will see there are 13 men with Christ. Who is the thirteenth man you ask? It is Rembrandt. He has painted himself into the picture. He is the one with the blue shirt and the pinkish bandana on his head. His hand is holding the bandana and he is looking straight at you.
It is as if he is saying, “I understand this, because I’ve been in this boat.”
“I’ve been in the same boat, in the storm, and horrified I would not make it.”
We see, along with the disciples, the impending danger. We can see how the boat is close to capsizing. But we have been given a view that the disciples cannot see. We can see the storm breaking and the blue sky coming forth.
Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25-26
Sudden fear is anything that keeps you from abiding in the peace which passes all understanding. Sudden fear is when the waves come up higher than your ability to breathe. Sudden fear is when the wind is stronger than your ability to stand. Sudden fear is when you see your boat swamped with life’s problems you cannot control and it seem the one who can calm the strom is sleeping.
The disciples, though they had seen Christ do miracles, failed to apply what they witnessed to their everyday life.
Faith Fails when Fear Prevails
When we allow our imagination to become dominate over our understanding we are paralyzed with fear. The disciples had seen Jesus do miracles, and they knew he was capable of handling this precarious situation, but they allowed fear of what might be to over-ride their knowledge of who was with them.
“There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have for them.” ~Andre Gide
Faith makes you brave because you know whether in the boat or on dry land, or whether you are in the storm or resting under blue skies, you are not alone. God is with you
Can I challenge you to be brave today? What monster has robbed you of your faith? Can you face the fear and take it down, even one notch? Let me hear your stories in the comments!
Joining Jennifer Lee Duke, Simply Beth and Holley Gerth today.
Latest posts by Diane W. Bailey (see all)
- What God Can Do with A Shattered Heart - September 5, 2022
- When It Is Time to Bring Your Ship Ashore - January 2, 2018
- Art Of Hospitality – How to Love Others As Ourselves - November 27, 2017
I love that painting. And the shrimp boat headed purposefully into the storm…
Sandy, you are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for commenting! <3
Diane,
Love this post — “faith makes you brave,” so true! It’s so hard to stare down our fears but with God, we can.
That is the truth, Valerie! But with God…But with God…
The pain monster tries its best to rob one of their faith. My heart is full of compassion for those in chronic pain. Stopping by from Simply Beth!
I was talking today with a woman whose husband is in chronic pain. It’s is people like you, Susan who get them through. I admire you and your ministry.
Love this post, Diane, and I am so glad you are sharing with TWW. This >>> “Faith Fails when Fear Prevails.” It happened to me recently after losing contact with my husband in the middle of a conversation and it was another 24 hours before I heard from him again. I knew he would be traveling and my mind went to dark places. As the day came to an end, God whispered “Trust in Me.” I knew that was the right choice. To let go of my fear and trust in Him. He makes me brave. And I am so grateful the same God here with me is the same one protecting my husband while he is thousands of miles away. Thank you for this encouragement today. Blessings. xoxo
BEth, My heart cries out for you and other military wives who fight the fear. You, my friend, are amazing!!!
Loved this Diana and the Rembrandt. I love how he painted the Savior from his imagination but after studying the features of his Jewish neighbors. I don’t remember seeing this one or knowing this story. Fear is a huge issue in our culture–even among Christians. How it must grieve our Lord when we let fear keep us from remembering that He is near.
Amen, Deanne, Amen!
So much comfort and encouragement here. So thankful we know the God who is with us in every storm. Blessed to have linked up behind you at Jennifer’s place.
Hi BEcky, It’s so nice to meet you! Thank you for coming by!
Love this Diane! !
Thank you, Julie.
“When we allow our imagination to become dominate over our understanding we are paralyzed with fear. ” Oh my, Diane – I know this too well. I just absolutely loved this. Thank you for sharing such encouragement today!
Thank you for stopping by, Jennifer. Sounds like you have been in the boat as well. Me too. This is our journey of faith. =)
Faith Fails when Fear Prevails … Wise words, wise friend. Thank you.
Thank you, Jemmer.
Lovely post on faith and fear. I love that you’ve included the example of Rembrandt in the boat with the disciples.
I shared this post with my women’s prayer group last Sunday.
Constance, Don’t we all find ourselves in this boat from time to time? Thank you for the gift of sharing. You have made my day!