Hope In Your Storm

The stories and experiences of Jesus are full of relevant guidance for our lives today. For example the maidens filling their lamps are an encouragement, and a warning regarding preparation for the future. The "Beatitudes," that may seem to provide only surface guidance, actually contain deep truths that change us from the inside out. And the list goes on. They are like treasures scattered throughout an open field, providing eternal wealth to any taker. Honest exploration of any of these jewels will always reveal new and deeper values.

Consider the event of Jesus as He walked on the water before His disciples. (Mark 6:45-55) The disciples had undertaken a normal daily task, traveling across the Sea of Galilee. But during that time, a great storm suddenly arose. The Bible says, "Jesus came toward them, walking on the water, He intended to go past them, but... they saw him...." (Mark 6:48b-49a) Jesus was going to meet them on the other side. In the process, He saw their need (as He always does) and made Himself available to them. He was not intending to go to them unless they asked Him. When they called out to Him, with the willingness to obey, they found that all the resources of Heaven became available to them.

The disciples are like us, fighting the storms of life. If you are now facing storms in your life, Jesus has made Himself visible to you. But in order to see Him, you must be willing. He will pass by unless you accept the offer of His presence. Just as with the disciples, we must call upon Him, obey His guidance and put our full trust in Him. Do you feel like you are drowning in life's problems? Do you need heaven's power in your life today? Remember what Jesus did for the disciples: "Jesus... said to them, 'All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.... I am with you all the days'...." (Matthew 28:18a, 20b, AMP) Don't face your storm alone. Jesus is waiting for your response. There is hope in Jesus.

When I Fail

I read a devotional today by David Wilkerson. It reminded me of myself sometimes. He spoke of Adam's sin, and how he tried to hide from God. He also pointed out the truth that something much worse than failure is the fear that goes with it.

I thought of my many failures in the past and how, even though He holds us responsible to face their consequences, God always receives us with love and open arms. He doesn't get "mad" at us. Because of what Jesus did for us, and if we follow Him, we don't have to fear God. We can immediately come to Him and tell a Father who will receive us with more love than we can comprehend.

It also gives me hope for the future. As I follow God through Christ, I can know that He will help me as I face the consequences of my failure. Even then as I acknowledge Him, He will "direct my paths."

The path God has for us always leads us to and in Christ. To find His abundant life, we must follow His lead. Satan is a liar and wants us to believe there is no hope. But there is every hope in Jesus. That fact that you are reading this is evidence that God is reaching out to you. The Bible says we can't even consider God with the Holy Spirit calling us. (John 6:44)

Imagine a life of peace and abundance in the midst of the troubles of life. We are more than conquerors in Christ. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Have you failed? I know I have, many times. It doesn't matter how bad. No matter where you have failed, you are not out of God's reach and help. Don't fear Him and His guidance.

When I fail, I trust it to God.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 (NIV): Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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