Saturday, May 30, 2009

Walking through the Storm

Our walk with God is full of peaks and valleys. This is not something that is peculiar to the period of time in which we live, it is a timeless truth. It has been this way for servants of God since the beginning. Your walk with God will be full of moments that you stand on the mountain top and see God move in mighty ways. There will be those times when you question where He is. I have had these highs and lows occur back to back numerous times. This is part of the unseen battle darkness wages against us as believers in Christ. God allows us to go through trials so we may learn, grow, and be mature as Christians. The short answer to "Where is God?" is He is right there with you always,even unto the end of the world.

And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
(Matthew 14:25-32)

There is a lot to be learned about our walk with Christ in this passage. Peter goes to the mountain top of walking on water to the depths of the fear of drowning. He then realizes that his hope is in the Lord, as it should be. Peter tested the spirits when he asked if it was Jesus. We need to test the spirits when we aren't sure of the situations that face us. We need to be sure of God's instruction to us. Peter stepped out of the boat on faith because Jesus said "come." Peter knew he would be able to go to Jesus if he told him to do so. What kind of faith do we have when it comes time to step out of the boat? How many times are we told to come or go based on nothing except what He has led us to do? How many times are we asked to simply trust God? One of the first things Jesus said to them was "be not afraid." What did Peter do when he saw the waves and the wind? He became afraid. It all comes back to fear and faith again doesn't it? He did have the faith to ask Jesus to save him. Peter did not doubt Jesus could save him. He will help you even in the midst of your fear. All you have to do is ask Him. Finally Jesus put an end to the storm. God always puts an end to the storm. He did this for Peter. He does this for me. He will do this for you. What a blessing it is to reach the end of a trial that you are going through. What a joy to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives. Whatever life may throw at you, be assured that Jesus will be right there with you if you are His. He will help you. When you finally get to the other side of a major trial in your life you will see the things God has brought you through more clearly. I think that you will ask yourself the question that Jesus asked. "Wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Father, again I come to you and thank you for the simple truths you have given us in the Bible. There are so many examples of faith and overcoming. There are so many ways that you have shown your love to those who love you. I ask that you would be near to those who read this and are going through a trial right now. Whether this be a trial of faith, finance, health, or a burden for someone else, I ask that you would bless them and remind them of your presence. I ask that you would strengthen them and grant them wisdom during this time. May they come through this glorifying you and what you have done for them. I give you the praise and the glory for all of them Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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