We are in the middle of a very snowy and cold winter here in Ohio. This past week had it’s challenges, with weather and car issues for me. But God is faithful to carry us through any and all challenges. No matter your situation, if you give it to God and have faith, God will carry you through to the other side of the challenge in your life.
Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
What is it that removes the fear; “for thou art with me”. What is it that comforts me; ” thy rod and thy staff”. God’s rod and his staff represent his unmatched power and control over every situation we face.
This brings to my mind the story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:22-34.
Matthew 14:22-34 King James Version (KJV)
22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
The first thing I noticed is Jesus went up on the mountain to pray and hear from his Father. Jesus sent his disciples on ahead of him in a boat on the lake.
Later that night Jesus went to them walking on the water. The lake was a challenge or obstacle that stood in their way. Jesus didn’t see it as an obstacle, but an opportunity to bring glory to God. Jesus didn’t try to find a earthly solution to cross over the body of water. He chose a heavenly (spiritual) solution to cross the body of water. But he spent time in prayer prior to undertaking the spiritual solution to the challenge they faced.
The other challenge the disciples faced was the wind was against them as they attempted to cross the lake. When they saw Jesus walking on the lake they were afraid and didn’t recognize him. Isn’t this how we often react to God working in our lives? We don’t recognize him walking on the water and react in fear.
When Peter realizes it is Jesus, he says; if it is you Jesus tell me to come to you on the water. And Jesus replies “come”. Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water, then he noticed the challenges around him and he took his eyes off of Jesus. He focused on the earthly challenges instead of the spiritual solution.
Peter cries out; ” Lord save me” and Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Jesus was close enough to Peter to reach out his hand and save him. He is always right there with us, close enough to save us.
Jesus then says; ” you of little faith, why did you doubt”? All it took for Peter to walk on the water is faith. All it took for him to start to sink under the waves was doubt. Faith is powerful, yet it is invisible; we can’t see it, feel it or hear it Yet it is the spiritual solution to our earthly challenges.
The more faith we have the more awesome the solution to our challenge will be. Faith is the fuel to power our spiritual motors. Faith is the spiritual solution to our early challenges and will carry us to the other side of the challenge we face.
God showed up in a mighty way this week and carried me to the other side of the challenges we faced. I praise God for his faithfulness and his almighty power.
Be encouraged and have faith that Jesus will reach out his hand and save you. He is saying “come” right now, so get out of the boat and go to him. Allow him to quiet the storm around you and speak peace to you.
I hope and pray that this spoke to you, like it spoke to me. Thank you for reading my blog! May the Lord bless you and keep you!