In 2020, most of us can attest that we have had to wait longer than we are used to. We started out the year getting what we wanted without delays. However, we went from getting what we wanted without delays to dealing with long grocery lines, month long appointment waits, waiting to see your relatives due to travel and lockdown restrictions. Waiting has abruptly become a norm for us.
In the same manner, we may be waiting on God longer than we might have bargained for. One of the mistakes we make as Christians is believing that because you have a relationship with God, your life will be easy with no problems or hardship. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. In fact, Christ never promised us a life without hardship. Think about the Book of Luke that highlights the story of Jesus calming the storm.
Luke 8:22-25 ESV “One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So, they set out, and as they sailed, he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
One thing I would like to note about this verse is that the disciples were fishermen before they became disciples of Christ. They were well experienced in storms as they had had their fair share of storms. They were not surprised because of the storm; they were surprised of the storm because they did not think they would face any danger since Jesus was on the boat with them.
In the same way, how many of us are surprised when we face a storm because we are followers of Christ? We cry “God why?” “God, how could you?” forgetting that there is not guarantee of a life without storm. Instead, we should know that because Jesus is with us, we will get through the storm. Sometimes, getting through the storm might mean losing a loved one, having a failed relationship, facing unemployment, and so much more. However, no matter what your storm looks like, trust that God has not left you. He is your strength, and he cares about you deeply.
When you are in the middle of a storm, read this passage below:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Psalms 46:1-3
We are all going through one storm or the other and I want you to know that you are not alone. Hold on to God and trust that He is still with you. Though you think he is asleep, God is aware of everything happening to you. He will NEVER forsake you.
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Inspiration filled, burden lifting, Strength ingiting and hope arousing devotional write up hmmmmmmm! I’ve actually always believed that since am a Christian dedicated in striving daily to living a life within the precept of God’s word that there shouldn’t be obstacles and challenges because Jesus in all the pains and suffering He encountered did it all that we (Christians) would have a Life free of pains and difficulties. Because even before He gave up the ghost His last words was IT IS FINISHED. And to me, that connotes all our sufferings, problems tribulations are all done and dealt with. But as I read through this devotional post, and from your analysis of the folks with Jesus who actually thought since they are in the company of the Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth the Son of the Living God that there shouldn’t be any raging storms or challenges whatsoever. And as I red through my mind went to a memory lane somewhere in the Bible where it is written “when you pass through the fire, it will not hurt you. When you pass through the waters it will not draoned you….” In other words, having to experience the it will not hurt you there would of necessity need be passing through the fire or passing through the waters because it said WHEN and not “if”. And WHEN is a certainty. The more I study to knowing and doing the WILL of God, the more I realized I never knew Him hmmmmmm! Thanks Dear for that piece well crafted and spirit breathed. At least you have helped me shed light on many questions for which I’ve not had answers and as such I’ve been at the cliff edge of Life where hope has almost and fast lossing it’s archor grip on endurance and was beginning to doubt all the truths and and testimonies of the word of God Almighty that I’ve always held on to tenaciously. The time you spent putting up this devotional is not wasted. Thanks for lifting and ingiting the sleeping gaint within me. God Almighty continue to Bless you, led and guide you in all of your life endeavors in Jesus mighty name Amen. Merry Christmas! Cheers Dear.