“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” This was a question that Jesus asked his disciples who were filled with fear when they found themselves in a shaky circumstance. Jesus frequently spoke to crowds of people, often times to critics, and to people who probably had little to no faith in Him at all, but he saved this question for his followers.
This question is still applicable to believers today. As I pondered this question asked by our Lord, three things came to mind: Worship, Correction, and Love.
When we are faced with the question “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” it causes us to acknowledge who Jesus is and give Him all the worship He is due. We are caused to recognize that He is sovereign over all of our life circumstances and, that however great the circumstance that we face may be, Jesus is infinitely greater. We are faced with remembering that the presence of our circumstance is temporary, but Jesus’ presence in our lives is continuous. “Never will He leave you; never will He forsake you.” This promise is declared in Deuteronomy 31:6 to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land that God would give to them, and Moses knew that they would face circumstances that would cause them to fear. Therefore, Moses tells them, yes, it’s going to get scary for a bit, you’ll be tempted to give way to fear, but remember God is with you continuously. Paul references this same verse in Hebrews 13:6 to remind believers of God’s constant presence in our lives. Praise God that He is ever-present!
the presence of our circumstance is temporary, but Jesus’ presence in our lives is continuous.
As I read this question asked by Jesus, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” it immediately corrects my thinking about my circumstances. When I give way to fear, I begin to give more credit to my circumstance than to my Savior. When I begin to give way to fear, I am believing that my circumstance is greater than Jesus, and that my circumstance has the final say. When fear begins to arise within our hearts, we must rush to God’s word so that we can then be changed by the renewing of our minds with truth! (Romans 12:2) By taking in truth, we will find peace because our thoughts are now fixed on Jesus who is the author and perfector of our faith. (Heb. 12:2)
And finally, as I read this question asked by Jesus, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” I am drawn to the love of our Savior. Jesus acknowledges that in our flesh, we will be tempted to succumb to fear, and then He offers Himself to be our solution. Jesus desires that we not live a life of fear but of power, of love and sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7)
In the book Conversion by Michael Lawrence, he says“Faith is trust, and it’s only as good as the object of its trust. So the question isn’t “Did you believe? as Fanny Crosby implied. It’s ‘Who did you believe in?’”
So, “you of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Remember in whom we are placing our trust! The Lord, Jesus Christ is with you in every single moment of every single day as you walk through any and every circumstances, and He is ready and able to supply you with everything you need! Fear not!
Highlighting the hope that we have in Christ! 