Faith Amidst the Storm
By S. A. Hastings
"Why are Ye so Fearful? how is it that Ye have no Faith?" THESE are the words of Jesus, addressed to his disciples, while tossed on the waves of the raging sea. He rebukes them for their unbelief. Notwithstanding all the miracles they had seen, their faith was weak; and when the tempest arose, and the waves threatened to swallow them up, they feared lest they should perish. How sublime, how full of sweetness the words of the Saviour in that hour of peril, "Peace, be still." No wonder that they feared exceedingly and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him? How many in these last days are fearful and trembling, like those ancient disciples. They dare not trust their all in the hands of God. Though Jesus has left so many precious promises on record for the comfort and strength of his people, yet how few are willing to take him at his word. He has commanded them to take no thought for the morrow, what they shall eat, or drink, or wherewithal they shall be clothed. "Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Why not take hold of this promise, walk out boldly upon it, prove the Lord, and see if he will leave you to perish? Think you that the God who sent the ravens to feed Elijah, and who rained manna from heaven forty years to the Israelites in the wilderness, cannot supply your every want? "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Has the promise of the Lord ever failed? Has he ever spoken and been slack to fulfill his word? No, no. Fear not then to cast your bread upon the waters. Let go your grasp on the world. Sell all and buy the field, and you shall have treasure in heaven. O, blessed thought! a treasure in heaven. Will you not sacrifice to obtain it? If you would pass through the gates of the holy city, you must leave the world, and all your eager graspings for its treasures, its cares and vanities, and follow in the footsteps of the Son of God who had not where to lay his head. It is but little to give all for eternal life. Those who refuse to do it, will not obtain it. It is but a step, as it were, to the immortal shore. O, heed the warning voice, ye slumbering ones. Awake! and clothe yourselves in the righteousness of Jesus, that you may escape in the day of the fierce anger of God. Now, now is the time to sacrifice. You have no promise of the future. Precious souls are perishing all around you. What are you doing to snatch them from everlasting ruin. Do not say that you can do nothing. If you have but a mite, you are as accountable for that, as others are for their abundance. Let your idols go. Jesus is coming! Get ready! get ready! As you value your soul's salvation, leave all and follow Jesus. Just as soon as you resolve to sacrifice all in his cause, and do it, the sweet peace and love you will feel in your souls will ten thousand times repay you. Brethren and sisters, let us go on together a pilgrim band to Mount Zion. S. A. HASTINGS.
New Ipswich, N. H.