TRIALS : God’s Provision in Life’s Storms

Matthew 14:27-31 "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?"

No one enjoys suffering. But in the hands of almighty God, trials become tools. He uses them to shape believers into the people He intends for them to be.

In our own strength, we lack the sufficient resources and abilities to meet life’s challenges. So, God provides just what we need. The most important thing He gives us is an awareness of His presence. At first, the disciples believed they were alone in a terrifying storm. When they initially spotted Jesus, their fear increased. They thought He was a ghost. But as they recognized Him, their fear changed to relief and hope.

During a crisis, we may not sense God’s presence. But, He has promised always to be with us (Hebrews 13:5-6). The assurance that He will never leave provides immediate comfort, an infusion of courage, and a sense of confidence to endure.

Another promise God makes is that He’ll provide a path through the trial. The disciples probably wondered how long the storm would last and whether they would make it safely to shore. As you or I would, they most likely wanted it all to end “yesterday.” But, had they somehow avoided this storm, they would have missed the demonstration of Jesus’ power over the sea and wind. This frightening situation was transformed into a revelation of the Savior’s divine nature. God wants to make known His power through our trials, too.

Ask God to reveal His abiding presence in the midst of your trouble. He'll provide strength to endure and wisdom to navigate a way out.