For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the unveiling of the sons of God.
Romans 8: 18 - 19 NKJV
This past week has indeed brought it's share of difficulties into my arena. However, lest I cry too much into my own beer, I also realize that I am not alone when it comes to the trials and tribulations of life. Yet I can honestly say that the view is much better once we've come through the other side of our ordeal. I was thinking on this very thing this morning, of how we may be able to avert a good deal of the struggles we face were we only to have the right view of our situation. First of all a quick question, how many of us, when trouble comes, immediately see our situation from the perspective of having already come through it? Not too many I imagine. Yet, we can agree that knowing how it is that the Lord is with us in our trials can be very good for our confidence. Have you ever felt alone and adrift as you battle life's storms? I have. After all, these are indeed treacherous waters we are wading into. These storms seldom sink ships, they scuttle believers! I believe that the concept of our faith is key to this discussion. As I was going through my latest ordeal I never once wavered about exactly who was in charge over my life. That being my heavenly Father. Where I floundered was the course of events I would endure until I saw the calm of the other side. I could not perceive that through the hell of my own situation, God was confidently walking through it with me. See, God knows the end game. He knows when and where each turn of our lives will take us. He is, as they say, our all in all. The trouble is, all too often we're not so sure that what we see in front of us will end for our good. Even though we're told in scripture that ALL things work to the good for those who love Him {Romans 8:28}. Do you love the Lord?
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "be of good cheer! It is I, do not be afraid." And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." So He said, "come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Matthew 14: 27 - 31 NKJV
Why did poor Peter doubt? Here Jesus has offered him the opportunity to participate in a miracle...a life lesson if you will. Then Pete, taking his eyes off of the prize, sinks like a ton of bricks. Peter could not see the other side through the storm raging around him, despite being offered the safety of the hand of the Lord. How many of our own life battles resemble Peters struggle? When we come to a place where it seems that we just can't go on, all too often, like Peter, we cry out to Jesus for help. Of course, from our limited understanding and vision, we often see the waves continue to crash against us and not see the outstretched hand of the Lord Jesus. It may do us good to realize with some degree of confidence that Jesus is always closer to us than we realize. The apostle Paul reminds us of this as he speaks to the truth of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}. Paul realized that it was no longer he that was important, but the Spirit of Christ Jesus in him. Knowing this truth, how difficult and frightening do our own troubles look? Can you envision a vulnerable Jesus who gave Himself up for you {2 Corinthians 5:21}. A Jesus who, despite being perfect in every way, became each and every flaw that you have? That's right, because it is Christ Jesus who has become all that we are. As we go through life's storms, we do so as Christ who is in us.
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12: 8 - 9 NKJV
~Scott~
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