ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE STORM

Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.

This scene probably occurred immediately after the feeding
of the 5,000+ people. These were tired, stressed-out men, yet
their Master got them into a boat. I believe, they would rather
have preferred to be in their beds.

Contrast: A tired Jesus went up the mountain to pray; while
these men were on the sea, without Jesus feeling grumpy, tired,
discouraged, self-pitied, and wanting to get into their beds.
Besides all that, it got even worse for them as the wind was
against their boat. They were in distress and they were afraid
despite the fact that some of them were experienced
fishermen. Suddenly they saw a “ghost” walking towards them.
When the storm comes, sometimes it arrives in a torrent.

Jesus saw them straining their oars and needing help. He
decided to walk towards and offer them assistance. Jesus sees
us when we go through storms and difficult situations. He comes
to our rescue whether we are aware of it or not. This is because
Jesus cares.

The disciples were still afraid when they saw Him walking on the
lake. By the way, these were men who just a few hours before,
had witnessed the miracle of five loaves and two fishes.

For us also, despite different miracles in our lives on a consistent
basis, we are still afraid or/and we struggle with situations that
affect our peace. Sometimes we get ungodly or unspiritual.

Guess what? Storms of life are assured in our race to make
heaven. James 1:2-4; 1st Peter 1:6-7, 1st Peter 5:10; 2nd Corinthians 4:17. They come
whether we like them/ want them or not. God uses them to
prune us, to discipline us, and to get us focused and dependent
on Him.

Storms of life are also signs of the times. The Bible has prepared
us ahead to know that the world and its events will get
increasingly frustrating and ungodly. Will things get better?
Maybe; probably not. Come what may, we are encouraged to
stand firm in the midst of life’s storms. Matthew 24:9-14

The world is presently very challenging. Storms are plentiful and
no doubt, there will be more. The last two years were indeed
very traumatic and surely, we are still living in an uncertain world.
As individuals and as a church, we have lost a number of loved
ones; we have never had it this bad as a nation: insecurity
everywhere, jobs, and businesses are disappearing on a daily
basis. The cost of living is skyrocketing, I can go on and on.
Basically, everything is looking hopeless and impossible; and the
storm is raging. Like these disciples, storms of life destabilize us,
get us worried, terrified and we lose our focus.

I may not know what you are going through but my challenge
and encouragement to you are: Let’s see Jesus in our storms
and let’s allow Him into our boats.

My family and I, have had some seriously challenging times
financially in the last few years. Amazingly, our situation has
drawn us closer to each other and our level of faith and trust in
the Lord has been wonderful. We have learned and are still
learning a lot about letting Him into our boat. We have peace
and the “Lord is good”

Song: “When Jesus’ in my boat, I can smile at the storm, smile at
the storm, smile at the storm. When Jesus’ in my boat, I can smile
at the storm till He takes me home.”

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Immediately, Jesus brought peace and solution to a chaotic
situation. He is still in the business of miracles and restoring calm
and peace. The question is, do you faithfully believe this?

Q: Are you anxious and are into applying self-help?
Q: Are you fixing your eyes on your problems or on Jesus 2nd Corinthians
4:1

In verse 51 we see how the disciples were completely amazed.
Jesus dazzles and creates great awe. His presence brings peace.
No matter what we may be going through, let us fix this in mind.
Further Reading Proverb 10:22; Psalm 37:5; Hebrews 13:5b; 1st Peter 5:7

Addtional

The world we are living is troublesome. There is fear of unknown and we cant figure out if anything good will come in the future.But do you know what we are greatly encouraged by the COMFORTING WORD OF THE LORD.”IT IS I DONT BE BE AFRAID” MARK 6:50.

JESUS sees us when we go through storms and difficult situation. HE comes to our rescue whether we are aware of it or not. Even when we are ungodly and had experienced and .witnessed His miracles in our lives. This is because JESUS cares. Guess what! STORMS of lives are assured in our race to make Heaven.

They come whether we like them/want them or not. GOD uses them to prune us, to descipline us and to get us focussed and dependent on Him.

May GOD help us to trust and depend on HIM for FULFILLMENT as we look foward to spend ETERNITY with Him.

Mr. Fedrick Adesubokan

Daily With God