Trust?

PresbyCan Daily Devotional

Matthew 8:25 – And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." (ESV)
I sit here with incredulity, having read the latest world news. I could say "with disbelief", but currently, the news is totally believable. On the world stage today, there is a move by some to let the aggressor win. The weak have no answer to contest the outcomes because might is right, purely by its outcomes rather than by any morality. It seems to me there is no longer much appetite to pay the price in lives or money for justice. That tendency has been growing since the turn of this century. Back in the 1980s, I forecast this to some of my then youth group members. As time passes, we forget or demote the outcomes and trauma of World War II. In time of need, we have become feckless. The United Nations has been shown to be found wanting, as previous history showed its predecessor, the League of Nations, to be. History repeats itself.
Back in Jesus' time, Rome followed Greece in conquering and taking over the Mediterranean world. Life was lived under the constant threat of violent rule. People in Judea looked to anyone, including Jesus, who could rise up and save them, to bring them out from under brutal oppression and corruption, but were disappointed when He died — and for some, their hope died with Him.
It seems nothing has changed or evolved for the better in the way humanity has acted over the preceding two millennia. In dark times, might has become right, and financial expediency has become more important than moral obligation and justice.
In the retrospective of several decades, however, the improvement in my personal circumstances has taught me that even when we think that God is absent or silent, He is still steadily working. We may not see what God is doing with us, but Jesus' oversight has eternal vision!
At that time, I was bitterly upset with my circumstances, and through that lens, it was hard to see how Jesus could be working. Yet for me, 25 years later, I know Jesus was moving to heal and restore my trust in myself and in His total commitment to accept me and not to give up on our relationship. It is always true for those who have the ears to hear: Jesus saves.
The road ahead may not be easy for our world. It was the same two thousand years ago: the promise of Jesus has always been to be with us continually, facilitated by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us to trust in His unfailing love, no matter how things appear.
Matthew 8:26 – And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (ESV)
We have an amazing God. Keep the faith!
Prayer: Father, in times of weakness and oppression, strengthen us so that we may be more willing to follow You. In our days ahead, grant us wisdom to see the need in those who travel alongside us, and Your grace to stand up as we walk in step with them. Amen.