Years ago, a friend who’s an atheist took me around for one last stroll through Jerusalem before I headed back to my home country. And just as we began to ascend the path leading to the city, she asked me this question: Does life become easier when you’re a Christian? As someone who has shared the good news of God’s salvation with her, how shall I answer such a question? Truth matters. I told her, it doesn’t, and sometimes, life gets even harder. But one thing is certain…. God’s peace abides, which makes life’s struggles bearable.
Jesus once said:
“If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace...” Luk. 19:42 NIV
This only goes to show that peace can still rest in the heart even when life’s searing pain plagues us.
If you were to visit the Sea of Galilee, you’ll be swept away by the quiet, soul-soothing atmosphere of the waters and the surrounding hills. But, mind you, the Sea of Galilee also has its bouts of erratic and violent waves whenever a strong storm hits the area. That actually surprised me; I thought it had always been calm.
But then I recall that event in Scripture when Jesus calmed the storm as His disciples shivered, paralyzed by debilitating panic clawing at them. That incident reminds us that life with the Lord isn’t tantamount to having a life without any bumps, without any trouble…. but with Jesus at the helm, we can breathe, we can take comfort in knowing that all will be well in the end. Just as the Lord steered that boat safely to shore, He will help us get to the other side, unscathed. His abiding grace will enable us to come out stronger, able to find our footing again, for He is the Lord who establishes our steps.
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Prov. 24:16 NIV
With many of us going through personal battles we fight in silence, may you hear God’s voice today through these words. I hope that it will steady your heart and mind.
Bible Verses For Encouragement During Uncertainty
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isa. 41:10 NKJV
Faith in the Lord is the antithesis of fear. The more faith we hold, the braver we become.
We have, time and again, proven God’s faithfulness– from His servants of ancient times to this day. He has always stood by His commitments, always faithful and steadfast in His promises–so what are we to fear?
“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1 NKJV
As we get older, we realize how present God is in our lives, showing up when we least expect Him. There have been a few times since I was little when I managed to slip away from danger, whether that be getting lost in a crowd of people, narrowly escaping a car accident, or a serious illness. And sometimes even when I’m having a bad dream.
At one point, I had this terrifying dream where three women clad in white, flowy garments stood before me as they meandered through what looked like a Mediterranean forest. One of them put a necklace around my neck. I wouldn’t mention what’s written on the necklace; it’s a bit creepy, so I might as well pass on sharing that. The moment I saw what was written on the necklace, I pulled it off my neck and threw it out.
And so to make the story short, I was chased and harassed in my dream. I was so terrified that I couldn't breathe, so frozen with fear, that I didn’t even have time to call on the Lord for help…but God is so merciful, He always shows up when we need Him most.
Just when I was almost out of breath, a stranger appeared…. a man, with a towering build, spoke to me and said: “ You’re safe, you’re safe.” He looked like an angel… There was a subtle glow on his face. Whether it’s just a dream or a warfare in the spirit realm, you can see it your own way. The thing is…I made it out alive.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12 NIV
Who knows..God must have sent an angel to rescue me, just as He did for some of you and for so many other Christians who have been through the same experience.
“I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” Ps. 77:11 NKJV
If you’re going through some rough patches right now, feeling like you’re being put through the wringer and shaking your confidence, remember how God showed up for you in the past. Because calling to mind His provisions, remembering the goodness of the Lord, will encourage you to keep going.
If things are a little tangled at the moment, you might want to sit in a corner, where you can find some quiet and list down all the things God has done for you in the past, His guidance and help that made it possible for you to weather those challenging times with grace.
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.” Ps. 34:4–5, 8 NKJV
There are times when we feel as if God seems indifferent to our pleas for help. When the response to our prayers stretches on for months, we become so discouraged that we begin to question His faithfulness. As Christians, we know fully well that God answers prayers. A “no” is already an answer (for He knows what’s best for us). A long wait for His response is already an answer (for He is still at work, shaping, molding our character).
Remember, we have a God who sees us, even when you feel like you’re too insignificant for God even to notice.
Don’t you remember Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant? She called on the Lord for help when she and her son were about to perish in the desert as her supply of food and water dwindled to the last drop:
Then she gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Gen 16:12-13 NIV
In God’s eyes, anyone who calls on His name is not insignificant, no matter your stature in life or how much you’ve strayed in the past; God sees you.
And since we are living in difficult times, where troubles squeeze us, challenges come at us from every side: financial burdens, relationship problems, moral decay all around us, violence, uncertainties, name it…let us remember that our help comes from the Lord Himself. And, therefore, we are a people of enduring hope because we have a God whose steady hand reaches for ours in every trouble, in every stumble.
And that day, that long-awaited day that we all long for — our blessed hope, when all our pain, our shame, our troubles will all be forgotten, for He has promised to “wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4 NIV
So, rejoice in the Lord always, in whatever circumstances, let us give thanks to the Lord. (1 Thess. 5:16-18) For we know that our present struggles will not last. All will be well in the end. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength, and His peace your refuge, the quiet anchor of your heart as “you pass through the waters”.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.
The flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Related Resource: The Identity Crisis We're All Facing: Jamie Winship on Fear, Finding our Identity, and His Own Alcohol Addiction
“Most people don’t actually know who they are. And when you don’t know who you are, you will always live in fear.”
What if your struggles with alcohol, food, or whatever else is tripping you up wasn't about the substance as much as it was about something below the surface you never would have put your finger on?
Today's guest, Jamie Winship, has a pulse on what that "thing" is better than anyone I know. It's your identity, and Jamie is going to unpack today why our identity is so important not just for uncovering why we struggle, but just as important for figuring out where we go from here.
And it all starts with a question: What are you most afraid of?
That question helps uncover your false identity, which is a sneaky lie that too many of us embrace. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, share this podcast or follow Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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