KEY TERMS:
- Steadfastness: The quality of remaining unwavering and resolute in faith, particularly during trials and difficulties
- Faith: is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
- Wisdom: the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living
Waves are created mainly by the friction between wind and surface water. The continual disturbance creates a wave crest as the wind blows across the ocean’s surface or a lake. The Sea of Galilee measures 13 miles at its longest and 8 miles at its widest. That’s about 64 square miles, roughly 2/3 the size of Lake Tahoe. Its depth is 43 meters at its depth, which is 458 meters more shallow than Lake Tahoe.
In comparison, the Sea of Galilee is relatively small—not much of a sea at all, more like a small lake. For waves to form on this “sea,” great wind forces at a longer duration are necessary. The strong winds and pressure from this type of severe storm cause storm surge, a series of long waves created far from shore in deeper water and intensifying as they move closer to land.
Only a great storm can produce waves large enough to put the fear of death in professional fishermen. These kinds of storms are unfamiliar to the Sea of Galilee, but they happen on rare occasions. However, in the story told in Matthew 8 and Luke 8, it’s not only fear that struck the disciples of Jesus, but doubt. How often are we in a storm, wondering where God is? Why is this happening? Is Jesus taking a nap while I am struggling here?
James 1:2-8 2 says: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
“For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:6
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
There are many golden nuggets of information in just 5 verses. But the one I want to point out here is “doubt” in verse 6. Doubt in this context is to be hesitant and waverly. Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1: “is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” When we are hesitant to trust in the Lord and faith is lacking, that is when we waver. Jesus is our firm foundation, just like he was for the disciples. He is the rock on which our faith is built, and when we put our complete trust in Him, the waves of life can not overcome us.
James 1:3 points to the testing of our faith to produce steadfastness so that we may not lack. What might we lack? Vs. 5 tells us. Wisdom. The wisdom here is to understand that when we remain steadfast in our trials, they will produce faith. He then goes on to say that if we lack wisdom, we should ask for it. But if we doubt God will give us this wisdom … we waver. What are we wavering in? Faith.
It all comes back to our trust in God and His steadfast, unwavering love for his children. We read his truths in His word and His promises that He has made to all those who put their trust entirely in Him. We put our faith in Him and all that he is. Our faith must be unwavering, especially in times of trial. We must know and believe that His goodness is at work (Romans 8:28). When you feel like you are enduring times of trial and are getting hit wave after wave, remember who is with you and ask him to give you strength and wisdom. Do not doubt, and it will be given to you.
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