N ot trying to be negative, but it seems that many people I know are in pain-physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. Life is great for most of us most of the time. Right? But whether I am speaking with a complete stranger on a flight, with one of the guys in my recovery class, or just talking to neighbors and friends, real suffering is part of so many real-life stories.
Linda, one of our dear friends and the lady who co-writes the 52 Week Plan is experiencing the sorrow of the death of her mother only 6 months after her father’s passing. She feels the pain of those losses.
Another friend recently saw one of His friends fall back into drug addiction. The sadness and frustration he is experiencing are genuinely painful. The hope that he and others had that this friend would stay drug-free was lost in a moment.
A family close to us was recently made aware of an ongoing dilemma ripping the hearts out of several family members and friends.
I know that not everyone is currently facing pain and loss, but Jesus warned us in John 16:33- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
If you have faced loss and pain in this life, you know that what Jesus tells us is true regarding the “trouble” this world can bring, but do you know “the peace” He offers?
Walk in the Light of a Fresh Encounter with Jesus
Jesus calmed the storm when His disciples feared for their lives. (Luke 8:22-25). Would you read these verses and notice Jesus’ response to the panic of the disciples and the emotional swing they experienced.
22. One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.
23. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
25. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
The disciples feared for their lives, but Jesus brought peace. Can Jesús still do that… for you? I fully understand that He is not obligated to make our life always calm, but the peace He gives when we realize we are in His boat and under His sovereign care can leave us astonished and at peace.
Walk in the Light of His Word/Do the Book
Last week while I was speaking with a couple with whom we’re building a new friendship, a discovery amazed me. Winning the battle over fear means we have to interrupt the downward spiral fears and anxiety create and give control of our thoughts quickly to Jesus in prayer, with scripture, or with help from a friend! We must learn and do Philippians 4:6-7 or Isaiah 26:3 or Colossians 3:1-2. This spiritual weapon of submitting control to God works against temptation, as well as other out-of-control thinking patterns and emotions.
Walk in the Light of Real Fellowship with Other Believers… starting at home where possible!
Would you be willing to tell a friend (inside or outside your family) about some fears you have overcome or are working to overcome? Ask him/her to tell you about any times he/she faced fears and overcame them….or not.
You may not be ready for that kind of vulnerability, but what about this? Would you let someone know about a painful situation you are currently experiencing or dealing with its aftermath? Would you ask a friend if you can help by praying for or with him/her?
When you know how much God loves you, your fears diminish because “perfect love casts out all fear”. (I John 4:18) When God shows love to you or through you, He might relieve the pain of others or even your own. Maybe the “storm” won’t dissipate as quickly as the one Jesus calmed for His disciples, but He can give you peace in the middle of your storm. He is God! He loves you! He promised to never leave you! He keeps His promises! He won’t abandon your boat!