13.  That was my answer to a friend’s text asking how many people I personally know who are unemployed.  Thirteen!  A baker’s dozen wondering if they will keep their house or how they’ll pay this month’s bills. 

Luke 8:14 talks about those whose faith is choked out by life’s worries.  Some of my thirteen unemployed neighbors, friends and family members fall into this category, as do others battling worries over health, relationships and so much more.  Have you felt those storms?  Have the tough economic times caused weeds to grow among the crops of your life?  Has heartache, deception or illness created a tempest around you?  Jesus can quiet it. 

He (Jesus) got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples.” Luke 8: 24,25

Jesus’ disciples feared death as a squall came down on the lake.  The problems around them were real, as were their fears.  Yet all became serene with just a word.  And then the next words?  “Where is your faith?”  I’ll show you where.

A woman bled for twelve years.  Anemic and tired. Poverty-stricken from seeking medical advice to no avail.  Her remedy?  Pure, unadulterated faith.  She reached out and touched Jesus’ hem as he walked by.  What the doctors couldn’t accomplish in twelve years changed in seconds.  Instant healing.

Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace.” Luke 8:46

Two similar situations with two different outcomes.  The disciples and the hemorrhaging woman knew their circumstances were bleak.  Twelve panicked and were chastised.  One reached out and found healing.  Which one do you most want to be like?