There’s no escaping hefty tests and trials. And although you may feel alone in your night seasons, the Lord is there, and He is working. His ability is not limited by your difficult circumstances. He’s not gasping at your frustration and angst, nor is He turned off by your questions and lack of understanding. He’s not upset because you are asking why. What He wants you to know is He is with you, and He is equally effective in storms as He is in the calm waters of life.
No one is waving their hands, volunteering to go through harsh seasons. No one is rushing to the front of the line to be the first to feel the howling winds of pain and suffering. Yet, it’s part and parcel of living.
It’s another opportunity for us to experience another facet of Jesus. The disciples had a new appreciation for Jesus after hearing and seeing Him speak to raging winds and waves. But they wouldn’t have known that side of Him without having gone through the storm.
Isaiah 43:2 states when you pass through the waters and rivers — not if you happen to go through rough places in life, but when. And when we go through, He will be there, in it, with us! I am grateful for that reminder. Although good times are not a constant of life, whatever comes our way, the Lord won’t shy away from the job – He has chosen to be there, not if we need Him, but When!
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2 (KJV)
23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! Matthew 8:23-27 (KJV)
In the Master’s Service, Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)