During desperate times we often wonder if God is still with us. We might feel left in the dark, and can’t seem to make sense out of anything. Sometimes it can feel like God just got up and walked out on us, and left us in the middle of the ocean to drown. We all at some point in our lives can relate to such feelings. The good news is that regardless of that void we feel, God, the Alpha and Omega, never left us. Right now in our world, there are people going through tremendous trials, loosing their homes, and being displaced. Such situations can truly make one question the very existence of God. Why would the creator of the universe allow such a catastrophe, where all they have worked so hard for has been swept away, by a natural disaster? But wait…. God isn’t asleep! Yes, He knew this was coming, but He has also given us the ability to have faith in Him in the storms of life.
For example, most people are aware of the story of Job who was not only faithful to God, but was also loved by God. However, God allowed him to lose everything, including his family. Job may have felt great despair, as some of us do when the storms of life hit us, but in spite of how he felt he kept his eyes on God. He did so by believing that God is able to rectify any situation (faith in action). Now I know this is easier to say when not faced with such a dire situation, but our unshakable faith can truly move mountains.
Will life be easy? No. Is there a way out? Yes, provided our eyes are focused on God, and not on the problem. Our faith may not necessarily be perfect, but it can be strong even if it’s just the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). There is power in knowing that the creator of the universe has us right in the palm of his hand. God has promised in His word, “I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He is God and he cannot be knocked off His throne. His angels are made aware of all that his children go through and are sent to minister on our behalf (Hebrews 1:14). Let us be courageous knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
The spirit and the mind are in a constant battle. Our flesh wants the physical things, and that’s understandable, especially in a crisis. On the other hand if we focus on the spirit it will grow (Galatians 5:16-26). If we focus on God (especially during trials) we will find peace and rest during the storms of life (Philippians 4:6-8). Our feelings and emotions will deceive us into believing nothing is possible in that moment, but those are just lies. The truth is…. God never said we wouldn’t have trials. In fact, the opposite is true, “In this world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
We must always remember that it is God who has kept us alive up until this moment, and He will continue to do so until He calls us home. He is a supernatural God, and therefore He has a supernatural plan for us. The more we start to believe that and begin to seek Him; the stronger our faith will grow. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Not everything that God allows in His sovereignty will we understand. Some things are too high for our finite minds to comprehend. However, we serve a living God, and He is more than enough to see us through the storms of life. Let us continue to put our trust in Him, and hope against hope (Romans 4:18). Trust that God is more than able to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Praise be to his Holy name!
