Jesus comes to us in our struggles. I find this reassuring. You can always ask the Lord what to do if you are in a battle. As we struggle, it may seem the Lord is far away, yet He is with us. He is closer than a mother with an infant child. God may answer our prayers by bringing people into our lives to encourage us. Or we may read or hear a Bible verse that speaks to our situation. Often, God comes in ways we don’t expect as we call out to Him.
No matter what, Jesus can give us peace in the storms of life. The Lord gives us peace in the storms of life, reassuring us that He is with us. Every struggle in life is different, and each response by the Lord is different. God treats us as individuals and tailors His actions based on our needs and His purposes.
The Disciples Struggled in a Storm
Jesus stayed on land to pray but sent the disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. An unexpected storm blew in during the crossing. Jesus came to them in their storm, but in a way that surprised them. He comes to us in a similar, unexpected way. How has Jesus come to you in the storms of life?
Mark 6:47Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”[1]
Jesus Teaches Us in Our Struggles
Struggles in life, although difficult, can bring a time of renewal and dependence on the Lord. The Lord wants us to look to Him for guidance, peace, encouragement, and discernment. Storms in life teach us that we are fragile and don’t have all the answers. This can be humbling. When I am humbled, I become more moldable and teachable. The Lord wants to develop the trait of humility so we can fulfill the plans He has for us. Storms in life can take us off the course we are on and redirect us to the path the Lord has for us.
Jesus is Aware of Our Circumstances
Just as a mother watches over her children, the Lord watches over us and knows when we are in trouble long before we do. In his perfect timing, He comes to us just like He did with the disciples who struggled on the Sea of Galilee. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2]
If you are struggling, look to the Lord, who is like a lighthouse during the storms of life. Take His hand and let Him bring you safely through your trial. To hear how Jesus comes to us in our struggles, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-walking-on-water
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 6:47–50). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 46:1). Tyndale House Publishers.