“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Life is a mixture of mountaintop and valley views. In addition, we are always in route somewhere, be it up or down. Yes, there are the occasional and temporary moments in which we are asked to stand still and not move, but these are still moments of forward progress.
The act of inaction, in order to wait upon the Lord, is still action. Action includes obedience. Our forward movement to our eternal home includes the process of learning God’s will along our way. This requires moments of meditation and prayer.
The Christian’s journey is a challenge no matter which direction, terrain, or height they must travel. Adam and Eve destroyed all plans for a Christian’s “easy life” in a garden filled with all blessings and provisions. Thankfully, God’s grace prevailed when He decided to hold on to us by giving His Son as our Deliverer.
When the Son of God walked the earth, His journey was by no means a comfortable or especially happy one. He, like us, had moments of joy with family and friends, but the sufferings He endured were a part of His journey too. Jesus is a wonderful mediator because He experienced the same ups and downs we experience in life.
God decided NOT to calm the storm in His Son’s life but He did calm Christ’s heart in the Garden of Gethsemane. He allowed the storm to rage on, known to us as His death and resurrection, but He comforted the heart of Jesus. God is merciful and knows our frame. He helped Jesus to persevere by calming His heart so that He could face the next leg of His journey.
Sometimes trials are given to teach us an important lesson in life. They may be sent our way to build up our spiritual character and nature. Surely, difficult times are meant to strengthen us. They serve to develop in us the necessary perseverance required to carry us through later and more difficult storms. Each struggle we move through and learn from is a building block. The blocks serve as a staircase to heaven where we will finally be LIKE HIM, perfect and unstained by sin.
If you find that your storm continues to rage on, there is a reason He has not calmed your waters. Instead, try asking your Father to calm your heart and give you the courage to continue on in your journey. You will be a witness to all who are observing your trial. It is your choice in whether your witness will amaze and draw others closer to or further away from Christ. Think of your trial as an opportunity to win souls in His name.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
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A much needed reminder for us all. I love the idea of Him calming my heart..what a wonderful picture that paints for me. Thank you. Blessings to you!
Dear Water Bearer,
I am pleased the words of this post ministered to you. I am learning to let God calm my heart so that I can continue on my path to His glory. Storms will rage but He will always be by our side.
What a great perspective, Cheryl. I often strive toward having a positive attitude and maintaining perspective during my “storms;” however, I don’t usually take into account how I am witnessing by displaying how I chose to “deal” (for lack of a better word) with my circumstances. Wonderful food for thought. Thank you!
Alicia, thank your for your feedback. Our maturing process is all about learning lessons on top of lessons. Like an onion being peeled, we are digging deeper and deeper into the mysteries of God and how He would have us share them.
Blessings!