The Answer to Panic

I was in the grocery store the other day (guess that’s the only place most of us go these days) and there were a lot of empty shelves.  It felt like I was in the old Soviet Union with their notorious shortages--especially toilet paper.  What is is with our toilet paper shortages anyway?  Of course, our problem is not supply chains as it was for the Soviet Union.  It is panic buying.

Jesus’ disciples were in a panic once.  In Matthew 8 we read they had gotten into a boat with Jesus and while on the lake, a furious storm came.  The the winds blew violently and the waves swept over the boat.  I can see the disciples in that small boat bailing water desperately while rowing madly.  They were screaming in fear and panic and turned to Jesus for help.  He was asleep! 

They woke him and cried, “Lord, save us!  We’re going to drown!”  Jesus replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey him!”  (Matt. 8:23-27 NIVO)

What does this story teach you about panic?