The Dangerous Life of a Disciple of Jesus

When we review the Gospel accounts of the life of Christ, we tend rightfully to focus on Jesus and His ministry, His works and His teachings. However, the Gospels also give us another perspective. They show us the reality of what it meant to be one of His disciples. They provide us the nitty gritty details of the life of faith and trust in Christ.

Take, for instance, the time that Jesus came walking on the water to the disciples. The waves were lashing the boat as well as the feet of Christ. Jesus paid them no mind. He paced on the surface of the briny sea as if he were on the plains somewhere in Judea. As He approached the vessel filled with His frightened followers, He called out to them. Peter responded that he wished to join his Master on the water. Peter's was a response of faith that led him out of a comfortable place to an adventure that he could share only with Christ. Even though his faith faltered when faced with difficult and perceived overwhelming circumstances, Peter was still accompanied by Jesus back to the safety of the ship. He still grew in His trust in Jesus.

This is the way of Biblical faith. It doesn't grow in the safe places. The qualities of false contentment, laziness and fearfulness thrive in the shade of the great oak where no wind or rain ever falls. However, because of these very things present in one's life, nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished. Biblical faith, on the other hand, is vibrant, full of life and adventure. It must be energized by friction and challenge. It grows by having to face the elements. Like the mighty tree lashed by wind and blinding rain, whose roots seem on the very edge of being torn from the ground at times by the storm, so is the one whose faith is tested by the Lord for the purpose of enhancement and greater use in His kingdom. He intends by the pruning for that person to be a source of blessing to the lives of so many others as an example of what His grace can do in the life of one willing to trust Him implicitly.

So, if you are being battered and torn by life's stresses, and, yet, you are still holding on to your faith in Christ, be thankful. Know that the Lord who has called you into the midst of this adventure is walking with you through it as well, hand in hand. Never will He let you go until the both of you safely reach the shore!