Do you know what I love about rainy days in July? They come and they go. The clouds don’t seem to hang around as long as they do in June. The clouds roll in, and just as quickly as they got here, they’re gone. So it is with life, even in our darkest moments we have the hope that the sun will shine again.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)
As I got to thinking about that today, I was reminded of a story from Matthew Chapter 14. The Bible tells us that Jesus sent His disciples on ahead of Him in a boat. Later that night, as the wind picked up, they were buffeted by the waves.
Shortly before dawn, Jesus stepped onto the lake and started walking toward them. The thing is, however, they didn’t recognize Him, and so at first they were afraid.
Before you go on to read about Peter walking on the water, stop to consider three things in this story:
- It was shortly before dawn
- He walked toward them in the storm
- They didn’t recognize Jesus
Isn’t that how life is some days? It’s always darkest just before the dawn. The storm is raging, the waves are crashing, we’re rowing hard against the winds of adversity, and it would seem that our Savior is nowhere to be found. But, here’s the thing, we don’t always recognize Him in the storm. We might not see the hand of God when we’re grieving. We might not feel the warmth of His comforting arms when we’re facing our fears. Why? Because perception is deceiving at times. Our brains like to fit God into the comfortable box it’s prepared for Him instead of taking God at His Word, when He says He’ll never leave us or forsake us.
Remember, we don’t serve a God Who steps aside when trouble comes. We serve a God Who walks toward us in the storm, and sits beside us in the boat. We serve a God Who calms the wind and stills the waves.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
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Tilling the Soil
Read Matthew 14:22-36.
Planting Hope
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)
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About the Author
DARLENE SCHACHT is an award-winning and NYT best-selling author. She is the founder of Time-Warp Wife Ministries, an online publication that encourages women to live Christ-centered lives.
Her passion for scripture and hunger for truth is the driving force behind a unique ministry that offers Bible studies and daily marriage prayers. Darlene is joined by her husband Michael on the daily podcast “5-Minute Marriage.”
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