God’s Provision in Life’s Storms
None of us likes suffering, but in God’s hands, trials can become tools that shape us into the people He created us to be. In our own strength, we often lack the resources and abilities to meet life’s big challenges. So God provides just what we need and gives us an awareness of His presence. In Matthew 14:22-34, the disciples thought they were alone in a storm. When they initially spotted the Lord, they were afraid because they mistook Him for a ghost. To quickly calm their fears, Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” During a crisis, we may not sense God’s presence, but He has promised to always be with us. (Deut. 31:6) Assurance of His presence provides immediate comfort and a sense of confidence that helps us endure. Another promise God makes is to provide a path through trials. The disciples must have wondered if they would make it safely to shore. Had they somehow avoided this storm, they would have missed the demonstration of Jesus’ power. God wants to reveal His might to us as well. We can be assured that He will provide all the strength we need to endure and the wisdom to identify the way through our troubles.
