PROBLEMS ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW CLOSER TO THE LORD

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Have you ever wondered why Jesus instructed His disciples to get into a boat
when knowing that a storm was going to brew shortly after they set sail?
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on
ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. (Matthew 14:22)

Why would He send them right into the teeth of a stormy gale?
They had just finished feeding the five thousand and needed a short break
from the crowds, but more importantly, it seems that He wanted
them (and us) to know that He was sufficient for them (and us).

Sure, His disciples were going into a tumultuous condition, but Jesus
would bring calmness into their lives in the midst of their situation.
He encouraged them to be brave because He was with them,
and He told them to set aside the fears vying for control of their lives.
But Jesus immediately said to them:
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Jesus wanted them to know that no matter how bad
things might look, He is there with them at all times.
He wanted them to know that they should depend on Him
because He would always be sufficient for them.
He wanted them to worship Him instead of being controlled by their problems.

ACTION:
Your storm is a superhighway that brings Jesus to you.
Troubles move you from a head knowledge
to a relational understanding that God is Who He says He is.
Look at how the disciples responded to the calming presence of the Lord.
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those
who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(Matthew 14:32-33)

When was the last time you thanked God for the problems in your life?
Today, rethink the issues that seem to be devastating your life
and imagine them as opportunities for bringing you closer to the Lord.
Andre Crouch (gospel singer) once said,
“For if I never had a problem, I would never know that God could
solve them. And I would never know what faith in His Word could do.”

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises to be with me at all
times. Forgive me for the times I have allowed my situations to distract
me from Your presence and how You can bring a calmness into my life.
Help me to overcome my emotional upheavals by worshipping and
depending on You. Thank You for the problems in my life that remind
me You are with me, and that You will provide whatever I need.”

blog: UTVOLWOODY.WORDPRESS.COM