IF IT’S TRUE FOR ME, IT’S TRUE FOR YOU.
Have you ever found yourself in a stormy season and wondered how on earth you wound up there?
It’s the nature of seasons. One moment you can be in calm waters and the next you’re standing in church putting your hand up for every prayer request the preacher is calling out – healing, provision, direction, faith…
If you find yourself there, or somewhere in between, I can empathise. My little boat is in uncharted waters being thrown around by a few waves too.
Allow me to briefly fill you in – for the first time in my adult life I don’t have a job. After a tumultuous and rapid series of events, I decided to resign. It’s both foreign and wild for me, not knowing when or where the next deposit in my bank account will come from. As someone who has always had a steady income in some form, this situation has left me a little winded.
There are days I’ve felt sea-sick at the thought of the money running out, the hugely competitive job market and the big cloud of unknown that seems to hover over my tomorrows.
My situation also arrived with a fair dollop of hurt and disappointment on the side, leaving my heart pretty tender and my resolve a little broken.
I was reminded recently that Jesus gave us fair warning that there would be days like this. In John 16:33 (ESV) Jesus says: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation…”
Encouraging, right?
Not really, Jesus.
But there it is in black and white – tribulations are part and parcel of life on this earth.
It’s hard for me to put words to my situation because I feel like I should be navigating it better. I’d almost rather wait until the breakthrough to write this blog because then I’d be through the hard part. But I can’t shake the thought that writing from the middle of the tempest could help someone who may there too.
Jesus does give us some good news to hang onto in that earlier verse. He finishes it by saying:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
I’ve had my fair share of overwhelming moments in recent months; moments that literally took my breath away as fear tried to take hold; but this I know: God is faithful, He’s got me, and He will work this for good.
Knowing this got me thinking about the other things that I know to be true in the storms of life. I sat down to write some of them out and these are the truths that I want to share with you over the next few blogs.
How do I know they are true? Because the Word of God says so!
In light of these truths, I’ve determined to take a spiritual stand and redirect this boat from thinking about the hurt and worry to believing and declaring God’s truth and peace over my life. I’d love you to join me!
Whatever waves are pounding against your boat (financial strain, a hurting heart, exam stress, relationship breakdown, grief or some life changes that have left you reeling and breathless), these truths are eternal which means they are as true for you as they are for me.
They brought me comfort, strength and hope; and my prayer is that they bring the same for you too.
1. GOD WILL NEVER FAIL YOU
God will never fail you. He will never leave you. He will never let you down.
You can take that to the bank.
Why can you be so certain? Because the bible says so!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every-one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45 NIV)
He is the same yesterday, today and forever, so this unfailing part of His nature is not about to change.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Take heart, He’s hasn’t failed you yet and won’t start now. He loves you too much for that!
I found great encouragement in this truth and in these scriptures. It led me to shift my focus onto all the good things God has done in my life, praising Him for what He has done and what He is still to do.
As you ponder this in your life, I encourage you to read these scriptures in your bible and have a listen to this song too: https://spoti.fi/36wTY1j.
2. THE BATTLE IS GOD’S, AND THE VICTORY IS ALREADY WON
Whatever war is waging in your life, whatever trial or challenge you are facing, God will fight it for you, if you let Him.
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV)
He’ll fight it and win because He already secured the victory. Jesus defeated death once, for all, 2,000 years ago when he died on the cross for our sins and was raised to life three days later.
The victory for what we are facing right now was sealed through His ultimate victory way back then. In defeating death Jesus rendered it powerless in the lives of those who believe in Him and His victorious power.
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives is victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NLT)
So, don’t allow death and its by-products (fear, anxiety, depression) to take up real estate in your life.
“…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5 NIV)
“…no weapon that is forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me” declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17 NIV)
Claim the victory as your own my friend, it is your portion!
While God is fighting your battles, this is what you do: PRAISE! But more on that a little later.
And if you’re looking for a song to go with this truth, here’s two of my favourites in season: https://spoti.fi/33mdKuz and https://spoti.fi/2PQgxZ2.
LET’S PICK THIS BACK UP TOMORROW
I’ve got more ‘Storm Truths’ to share with you. But for now, may I encourage you to ponder these first two and the scriptures that accompany them. Even open your bible and find your own; its cathartic on a supernatural level!
One thing I have been reminded of in these stormy waters is the supreme importance of spending time in the Word of God and in praise and worship. There is power there. Burdens become lighter there. God meets us there (always!) and strengthens us by His mighty power.
“You empower me for victory with your wrap-around presence. Your power within me makes me strong to subdue, and by stooping down in gentleness you strengthened me and made me great!” (Psalm 18:35 TPT)
See you tomorrow friend, same place, same time. Much love xx
Salt & Grace 