The Storms of Life

About the 4th watch of the night He cometh unto them,
walking upon the sea.
Mark 6:48

There are times in our lives that are so full of trouble,
or sorrow, that it seems like we are in the middle of
a raging storm. Watching the billowy waves pound
our soul and we cry out for the hand of God to rescue
us.

So it was on this long night for the disciples
out on this boat. The wind came and swept waves
onto their boat, and the boat swayed and dipped
with the power of the waves. But Jesus saw them,
they were never truly alone. He watched them from
the shore and eventually He came to rescue them.

Sometimes in our lives we see something happening
to someone we love, and we are powerless to stop it.
We watch them from the shore, and our heart longs
to rescue them, but it is not within our power.

This is the time we know the blessedness of prayer
and the presence of God. We know of His great power
to save, rescue, guide, and protect. This is when we
must get serious, and get vigilant in our prayers,
and not let the waves crush us, but fight back with the
warfare of prayer. The fervent prayer that cries out
to God and never gives up until we feel the answer is
on the way. Persistent, powerful prayer.

We see miracles everyday, because
someone chose to fight the good fight of faith,
rather than wimp out and give up.

Have you ever stood on the shore and watched a loved
one suffer? I have, and it is wrenching. And there
are no words that anyone can say that will bring
total comfort. And there is nothing your friends
can do except say kind words, or try to help you with
things that need to be done. The greatest gift from a
friend can be their heart felt prayers, and loving encouragement.

Sometimes in life there are things we must face alone.

This more than ever should teach us that our sufficiency
only comes from God. No matter how well meaning
our friends or family, they cannot be there in every
way we need. It is not only not possible, but it is
not something many of us have the tools or power to do.
No one is going to rescue us from life's troubles.

No one but Jesus.
People come and go from our lives. Our loved ones
are a gift for a time. But Jesus stays with us from birth
to eternity.

He watches us from the shore, and listens to our cries,
and then comes to save us. Jesus, the great Physician,
the Great I Am, the Bright and Morning star. Our hope,
our salvation, our sufficiency. But until we seek Him
with all our heart, we will not know his sufficiency,
because we are blocking it by our very worry and
doubt.

My friend, if you find that there are situations beyond your
control, I know someone who made heaven and
earth, and nothing is too hard for His hands.

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all
points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
us at the time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy, for thou hast
considered my trouble; thou has known my soul in
adversities.
Psalm 31:7

Yes, Jesus knows every fibre of your being, He has
seen the shed tears, the loneliness and the illness.
and even now, his hand is stretched out.
Come my child, rest with me, and let me
calm the waves and the storms.

Peace be still.

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for thou, Lord
only makes me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

Peace and safety.
Jesus.

remember
only one life, will soon be past
only what is done for Christ will last