Are you in the middle of a storm? The winds are blowing, and the waves are rising, and it feels like your life is taking on water. You find yourself spending all day bailing to stay afloat. Can I encourage you to hand the bucket over to God and to rest in his arms. Listen to these words from Hebrews 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Do like Jesus did in the middle of his greatest battle. He looked at the joy as being greater than the present situation.
Yes, he knew he was going to suffer and die. But he also knew that the grave could not hold him. And it cannot hold those who believe in God. 1 Corinthians 15:55, ““Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” So, you’re in the fight for your life. What do you do? First, and most importantly, fix your eyes on Jesus. Spend more time on your knees and less time bailing water. Less time finding an immediate fix. How do you do that. By remembering the reward far exceeds our current suffering.
Friend, you can bail and bail until you drop dead. But without Jesus it will all be for nothing. If your burdens are heavy, give them to Jesus. Matthew 11:28, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Trust in Jesus and he will navigate the storms of this life with you. And you cannot lose. On Friday it appeared as Jesus had lost. By Sunday there was a new King. The battle can seem to be winning. But in the end, nothing will defeat your victory in Jesus.
Jesus said in John 14:18, “No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm—I will come to you. 19 In just a little while I will be gone from the world, but I will still be present with you. For I will live again—and you will too.” Nothing in this world can rob me of my salvation. Nothing can defeat the work of Jesus. And nothing can stop me from loving Him and from Jesus loving me. And because of that, I lay my head on my pillow in the mix of storms knowing who is rowing the boat. Knowing that the storms can be calmed by the voice of God. Be still. And the waters were still. Maybe the word to you today is, simply be still. Plasms 46:10, says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” But I’m in over my head? Be still. But I’m losing the battle, be still. But I may lose everything. Be still and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus the pioneer and perfector of your faith.
