Years ago, an atheist friend took me for one last walk in Jerusalem before returning to my home country. And as we started to climb the path into town, she asked me this question: Does life get easier when you’re a Christian? As someone who has shared the good news of God’s salvation with her, how should I answer such a question? The truth matters. I told him no, and sometimes life gets even harder. But one thing is certain…. The peace of God abides, which makes life’s difficulties bearable.
Jesus once said:
“If you, even you, had known this day what would bring you peace…” Luke. 7:42 p.m. NIV
This only goes to show that peace can still rest in the heart even when the burning pain of life torments us.
If you visit the Sea of Galilee, you will be swept away by the calm and soothing atmosphere of the surrounding waters and hills. But be careful, the Sea of Galilee also experiences episodes of erratic and violent waves every time a strong storm hits the region. This really surprised me; I thought it had always been quiet.
But then I remember this event in Scripture where Jesus calmed the storm while his disciples shivered, paralyzed by a debilitating panic that gripped them. This incident reminds us that life with the Lord is not a life without obstacles, without problems…. but with Jesus at the helm we can breathe, we can take comfort in knowing that everything will be okay in the end. Just as the Lord brought this boat safely to shore, He will help us get to the other side, unharmed. His constant grace will allow us to emerge stronger, able to regain our balance, because He is the Lord who quickens our steps.
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity comes.” » Prov. 24h16 NIV
As many of us go through personal battles that we fight in silence, may you hear God’s voice today through these words. I hope this calms your heart and mind.
Bible verses to encourage in times of uncertainty
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you,
I will support you with my right right hand. Isaac. 41:10 KJV
Faith in the Lord is the antithesis of fear. The more faith we have, the more courageous we become.
We have proven God’s faithfulness time and time again, from his servants of ancient times to the present day. He has always kept his promises, always faithful and steadfast in his promises – so what should we fear?
“God is our refuge and our strength,
Very present help in case of difficulty. Ps. 46:1 KJV
As we age, we realize how present God is in our lives, appearing when we least expect him. There have been a few times since I was little when I managed to escape danger, whether by getting lost in a crowd, narrowly escaping a car accident, or a serious illness. And sometimes even when I have a bad dream.
At one point I had this terrifying dream where three women in flowing white clothes stood before me as they meandered through what looked like a Mediterranean forest. One of them put a collar around my neck. I won’t mention what is written on the necklace; It’s a little scary, so you might as well not share it. The moment I saw what was written on the necklace, I pulled it off my neck and threw it away.
And so, long story short, I was chased and harassed in my dream. I was so terrified that I couldn’t breathe, so frozen in fear, that I didn’t even have time to call out to the Lord for help…but God is so merciful, he always shows up when we need him most.
Just when I was almost out of breath, a stranger appeared…. a man, with an imposing build, spoke to me and said: “You are safe, you are safe. He looked like an angel… There was a subtle glow on his face. Whether it’s just a dream or a war in the spirit realm, you can see it your way. The problem is… I made it out alive.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. » Eph. 6:12 a.m. NIV
Who knows… God must have sent an angel to save me, just like He did for some of you and so many other Christians who have had the same experience.
“I will remember the works of the Lord;
I will surely remember your wonders of old. Ps. 77:11 KJV
If you are going through difficult times right now, if you feel like you are being tested and your self-confidence is shaken, remember how God has shown Himself for you in the past. Because remembering your provisions, remembering the goodness of the Lord, will encourage you to continue.
If things are a little confusing right now, you may want to sit in a corner, where you can find some calm and list all the things God has done for you in the past, His guidance and help that has enabled you to overcome these difficult times with grace.
“I sought the Lord and he heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked at him and beamed,
And their faces were not ashamed. Ps. 34:4–5, 8 KJV
There are times when we feel like God seems indifferent to our cries for help. When our prayers are answered for months, we become so discouraged that we begin to question His faithfulness. As Christians, we know very well that God answers prayers. A “no” is already an answer (because He knows what is best for us). A long wait for His answer is already an answer (for He is always at work, shaping, molding our character).
Remember, we have a God who sees us, even when you feel too insignificant for God to notice.
Don’t you remember Hagar, Sarah’s servant? She called out to the Lord for help as she and her son were on the verge of perishing in the desert as her food and water supplies dwindled to the last drop:
Then she gave this name to the Lord, who said to her, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Now I have seen Him who sees me.” » Gen 16:12-13 KJV
In the eyes of God, everyone who calls on His name is not insignificant, regardless of your stature in life or your mistakes in the past; God sees you.
And since we are living in difficult times, where problems are gripping us, challenges are coming at us from all sides: financial burdens, relationship problems, moral decadence all around us, violence, uncertainties, you name it… let us remember that our help comes from the Lord himself. And this is why we are a people of lasting hope because we have a God whose firm hand extends to ours in every difficulty, in every stumble.
And that day, that long-awaited day that we all long for – our blessed hope, when all our pain, our shame, our troubles will all be forgotten, for He has promised to “wipe away every tear from our eyes.” There will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying, nor pain, for the old order of things is gone.” Revelation 21:4
SO, rejoice in the Lord alwaysin all circumstances, let us give thanks to the Lord. (1 Thess. 5:16-18) Because we know that our current struggles will not last. Everything will be okay in the end. May the joy of the Lord be your strength and his peace your refuge, the quiet anchor of your heart as “you pass through the waters.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you cross the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.
If you walk through the fire, you won’t be burned.
The flames will not set you on fire. Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Related Resource: The Identity Crisis We All Face: Jamie Winship on Fear, Finding Our Identity, and His Own Alcohol Addiction
“Most people don’t really know who they are. And when you don’t know who you are, you’ll always live in fear.”
What if your problems with alcohol, food, or whatever was tripping you up weren’t so much about the substance as it was about something beneath the surface that you’d never put your finger on?
Today’s guest, Jamie Winship, has a better idea than anyone I know of what this “stuff” is worth. It’s your identity, and Jamie is going to talk today about why our identity is so important, not only in discovering why we struggle, but just as important in determining where we go from here.
And it all starts with one question: what are you most afraid of?
This question helps to discover your FAKE identity, which is a devious lie that too many of us buy into. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, share this podcast or follow Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic on Apple Or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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