It isn’t easy to have faith when the storms of life rage. When things go smoothly we usually can profess our faith with no problem, but when troubled times happen our faith is tested. Do we truly believe in the bad times what we profess in the good times? Unfortunately, the storms in life can cause our faith to falter.

Those storms can come in the form of disease, job-related problems, marital troubles, concern over our children, or even generally being discontent with life.

The disciples were no different than we are. Even though they talked with Jesus face to face and saw His miracles they still faltered in the storm. One day Jesus got into a boat and He said to His disciples “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35b). Jesus was asleep when a storm began. This shouldn’t have been a problem, because some of the disciples were very experienced fishermen and shouldn’t have been intimidated by a storm at sea. Yet, they were afraid. Did they hang onto His promises?

He said they would sail across the sea, but He didn’t say “unless a storm comes up.” Instead of trusting Him they saw the storm instead of the promise. The wind blew and the waves pounded their ship, and Jesus was calmly sleeping. They ran to Him and fearfully accused Him of not caring!

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40).

Do you have faith in Him to calm the storms you face in this life? Do you see the storm instead of the promise that He will see you safely through? Jesus rebuked the wind so His disciples could safely weather the storm, and He will surely see you through turmoil in your life.

It would be nice if once we accepted Christ for our salvation that life would become easy. No suffering, no trials, no mourning. But that’s just not the way it works. Jesus told His disciples, and us, that storms would happen.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Many Christians, even ones who have professed faith for many years, become discouraged when things go wrong. People like to blame God for problems, but the blame is misplaced. Satan is the one to blame. God promises peace in spite of trials, and faith in Him is the way to find that peace.

I have a small circle of friends, and in the past few weeks there has been much grief among these lovely Christian people. My heart breaks for them and I pray, but their courage and the way they’ve faced their grief is a testimony of faith. In faith I pray for my friends and family, and I know that Jesus is with each one of them through these storms.

The loss of loved ones is the cause of distress in this life, but there are many other trials we face. My children and grandchildren are all facing some troublesome times, and I pray for them all.

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

I’m also facing some health problems, and because of past storms I’ve faced I can go through this one with a peace that passes understanding.

Our hope is in Jesus. When people blame Jesus for problems, I wonder if they also praise Him for blessings? It’s easy to be blinded by troubles, but there is always a blessing if we look.

For instance, my daughter works until well past dark, and her drive home can be a little dangerous. She travels on eight miles of rural road which has no cell service over much of it. Deer can be a problem, but so can flat tires. On her way home one night, the dashboard light came on telling her a tire was low. She was able to make it all the way home, but when she got out of her pickup she could hear the air flowing out of the tire. There was a large screw that had punctured it. I could only praise God because He brought her home safely. She wasn’t stranded in the dark alone with no cell phone service so she could call for help. Praise God!

Even when the blessing isn’t so obvious, there’s always a blessing if you look, even in a major storm.

The first Jewish Christians faced persecution and many trials. The persecution in Jerusalem was so intense that most of them left and were scattered to many places. Their tribulations would only get worse as the Roman persecution was about to begin. Peter wrote to those Christians to encourage them. He reminded them of their hope which was in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and that their inheritance was in Heaven.

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:6). He urged them to rejoice because of the inheritance they could look forward to in spite of the heavy trials (temptations) they faced.

Like those early Christians, the storms we face are only for a season. No matter what the outcome may be in this life, we have the assurance of eternity in Heaven because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:7-9).

On this side of Heaven we will face many storms and testing of our faith. Peter talks of the “trial of your faith,” and that’s something we face every day. That may mean being mocked by friends and family because of our faith, or bravely facing a devastating illness, or dealing with grief that comes from the loss of a loved one. None of us enjoy being “tried with fire,” but trials help us to grow in faith. If we glorify God through whatever storm we face, we will give a strong witness to people around us. You will also be better able to help a fellow Christian through the storms they face, because you will have weathered storms and are stronger because of them.

The Apostle Paul knew all about the spiritual growth that comes from facing storms. He faced beatings, shipwrecks, arrest, rejection, and much more as he spread the Gospel, and his faith just grew stronger. He knew the importance of faith in times of trial.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

The strength to face storms comes through our faith in Jesus Christ. If we have peace with God, then we’ll learn to trust Him more. There are lessons we learn as we go through the storms of life, and even though we don’t enjoy the turmoil we can find a reason for them if we look.

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5).

Leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit will strengthen you.

We can’t talk about the storms in life without talking about Job. “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1).

Job was a prosperous man who had a large family and he loved the Lord. Satan is never happy when someone loves the Lord, and he asked God’s permission to test Job. God didn’t send the troubles that Job would face, but He did allow them. He knew that Job’s faith was strong and that anything Satan would use to try to break him would only make him stronger. So Satan began his assault. He caused the death of Job’s children, the loss of his livestock, and an ugly disease of boils that covered his body. To add to his misery some friends came; they weren’t at all helpful, and his wife was less than understanding.

“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die.” (Job 2:9).

Job went through some bad times, and the advice he got was depressing. Eventually Job recounts all the storms he faced but was able to say “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27).

That’s the bottom line. No matter what storms we face, the fact is that our Redeemer lives, Because He lives we will live eternally with Him after our life on this earth is over. Job looked forward in faith to redemption through the Messiah, Jesus Christ; and we look back in faith to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection for our redemption. Job listened to his friends but didn’t take their advice to heart. He stood upon his faith in God, and that’s a lesson we can learn from his experience.

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

The wisdom of men will always fail, but the power of God can always be trusted. The storms in life will either make you stronger or cause you to break. Have faith in God and He will see you through each storm.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

 

 

Thanks Giving

A Psalm of praise: “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:1-5).

It’s good to be thankful unto the Lord. It’s more than good; it’s necessary. We have so much to thank Him for, but we seldom take time to say, “Thank You, Lord.” Sometimes we are blinded by our troubles, but there’s always a blessing in every situation. Psalm 107 is a good place to start a study on being thankful to the Lord:

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy”(Psalm 107:1-2). This psalm begins by looking back on the history of the Israelites and their release from Egyptian slavery. They faced difficulties as they wandered in the wilderness. Their wandering was caused by the fact that they didn’t trust God, but He never left them.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”(Psalm 107:31).

Christians, we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and taken from the hand of our enemy, Satan. We will face many troubles as we walk along our Christian path, but how many times have our troubles been caused because we didn’t trust the Lord or because we made ungodly choices.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The word “conversation” is the King James word for the way you conduct your life. Christians need to be more like Christ, and we need to give thanks to Him, because He never will leave us nor will He forsake us. Even when we rebel against His ways He’s always there. That’s something we need to be thankful for.

The most beautiful words of thanks giving and praise can be found in the Psalms. David’s songs of praise didn’t always start with all the good things God had done for him, but he praised God in spite of the things that went wrong. David faced many trials, but he always loved the Lord and was filled with thanks giving.

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:11-12).

David wrote many of the psalms during dark times in his life, and Psalm 35 is one of those. He wrote of people who were against him and asked God to come against them. Knowing that God will rescue him, he writes: “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people” (Psalm 35:18).

It’s easy to thank God when things are going our way, but looking forward to God’s grace and mercy in times of testing is important. “And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long” (Psalm 35:28).

Be thankful in the good times and also in the bad times. Always rejoice and give thanks to God. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Jeremiah was another man who had faced many troubles in his life. He was a prophet of God and a faithful man, but this didn’t exempt him from being afflicted by troubles. It can be easy to get angry with God when things don’t go our way, but Jeremiah saw his afflictions as a way that God disciplined him and helped him grow. A parent only disciplines their beloved child, and so God will discipline his children when necessary. Jeremiah took this as something to be thankful for.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The word translated “mercies” means “goodness, kindness, faithfulness.” The Lord truly is merciful, and there is no greater evidence of His love and mercy than the fact that He chose to sacrifice Himself for our salvation. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Even in times of testing, are you thankful for the salvation you have through Jesus’ shed blood on the cross? Don’t forget to thank Him.

Daniel was a man who had unwavering faith in God and thanked Him no matter what the circumstances. Some of the advisors to King Darius wanted Daniel to be removed, and conspired to enact a law that they knew Daniel couldn’t comply with. They urged the king to issue a decree making it illegal to pray to any God or man except the king. There would be a strong penalty if a person was caught praying. They would be thrown into the lion’s den. What did Daniel do?

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10).

Most of us know that Daniel was thrown to the lion’s den, but unless you read the background to that event, you don’t know why. Scripture tells us that we are to obey the laws of the land, but Daniel’s actions show that the law of the land is subordinate to God. Daniel didn’t stage a protest or change his routine in order to go against the law. He just continued to openly do what he always did…he prayed and gave thanks to God. God protected him, but things didn’t go so good for his enemies. Read the story and see how trusting God brings justice in His time and in His way.

Many governments today persecute Christians, and public prayers are outlawed. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

The Apostle Paul spent a lot of time facing persecution because of his faith, but he never compromised. He encouraged those who read his letters to pray and give thanks. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

There are things we cannot be thankful “for,” but we can be thankful “in” all things. The blessing may not be clear as you go through a time of sorrow or testing, but if you make a habit to pray with thanksgiving, when the troubled times happen you’ll automatically go to God, and your faith will give you strength.

Praise and thanksgiving to God is not limited to this mortal life. The Apostle John was given a prophetic look into the future. Christians will soon be Raptured, and the scenes he describes of the throne room of God are awesome. “And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 7:11-12).

Among the words used here in praise of God is “thanksgiving.” When we get to Heaven we’ll see what we can only speculate upon now…the majesty of God. There’s only one way to spend eternity in Heaven, and that is to place your faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Don’t wait until we’re gathered around His throne to begin thanking Him. Start today and don’t stop.

The United States of America (as well as a few other countries) has set aside a day to give thanks. We call that day Thanksgiving. This day was set aside to remember God’s blessings on the Pilgrims, who travelled across the ocean to escape religious persecution and establish a community where God could be freely worshipped. It’s also to remember that God continues to bless us.

Sadly, this day has come to mean very little as far as being thankful to God. Family and friends may gather together for a special meal of turkey, dressing, and all the fixings; but it’s hard to pull the family away from the television. Football games and parades dominate the air waves, and these things seem to be the main focus of the day instead of taking time to remember our blessings and thank God. Too often we take things for granted and forget to thank God for all He provides. We forget that all blessings come from God.

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”

His praise should always be upon our lips, and we should honor Him with a thankful heart. “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

God’s blessings fall on everyone, but not everyone is thankful to Him. In this day and age of secular humanism I have to wonder if anyone stops to thank God for the sun and the rain. Who do atheists thank for their blessings?

Christians have more to be thankful for than anyone else on Earth. We recognize that we are sinners but have accepted the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for redemption. Our eternity is secure, and nothing can take it from us. Now there’s something to be thankful for.

Honor Him with thanks giving.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.