And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” (Mat 8:24-27 NKJ)

This story appears in all three synoptic gospels, and in Mark, we read, “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mar 4:35 NKJ) Jesus clearly knew where he was going and fully expected his disciples to take control of the situation while he took a nap.

Storms on the Sea of Galilee were not uncommon. High mountains, narrow valleys, and a wide body of water was the perfect combination for a storm, but several of the disciples were fishermen, trained and equipped. The third reason they should have had faith was the fact that they had been singing those old songs, boasting about it.

“LORD, the floods have raised up– the floods have raised up their voices; the floods raise up a roar! But mightier than the sound of much water, mightier than the sea’s waves, mighty on high is the LORD! Your laws are so faithful. Holiness decorates your house, LORD, for all time.” (Psa 93:3-94:1 CEB)

“Who is like you, LORD God of heavenly forces? Mighty LORD, your faithfulness surrounds you! You rule over the surging sea: When its waves rise up, it’s you who makes them still.” (Psa 89:8-9 CEB)

Still, fear overtook their faith, and it took the Lord to come into their storm and bring peace. You see, we can know the Word, sing the songs, but it’s a demonstration of faith in action that changes the outcome.