I’m not one of those guys that is going to tell you that once you have Issues in your life, that all your troubles disappear and that it is all just health, wealth, and prosperity. If that’s what you’re looking to hear, turn on the TV and send a check to someone who will be happy to tickle your ears in trade for your money.
Nope, I’m not going to tell you that the promised “abundant life” is ther fulfillment of all your physical desires and pleasure and comfort in “your best life now”. I’m going to tell you that sometimes it is really hard. I’m going to tell you that sometimes the world around you will seemingly fail against you. I’m going to tell you that sometimes you’re own flesh is going to fight against you so hard. I’m going to tell you that sometimes you are going to feel overwhelmed and inadequate and defeated.
But the good news, the great news in fact, is that the deepest darkest valley, the darkest hole, the deepest prison give horn yourself into, the strongest storm around you when you feel like you are slipping under the waves is an opportunity for you to “surrender to victory”, to reach out to trust in the Lord.
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.14.22-33.NKJV
He doesn’t love you any less than Peter.
For there is no partiality with God.
Romans 2:11 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.2.11.NKJV
So whatever we are dealing with, however dark or scary things might seem, reach out to Jesus.
Harold J. Ballinger 