Currently there are so many big things happening in the world. Jesus warned us clearly in Matt. 24 that there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, and more, and that nations will rise against nations, and that MANY will turn away from the faith, but that we must “see to it that you do not become alarmed.” (Matt. 24:6)
Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 4:16-18 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
We all know the incident of when Peter suddenly became brave and walked on the ocean’s waters when Jesus told him to “COME” to Him. Matt. 14:29 says – “But WHILE Peter was walking on the water, he saw the winds and the waves. He was afraid and began sinking in the water…” It was only when Peter took his focus OFF Jesus, that he became afraid and unable to do that which Jesus called him to do.
When storms are raging in your life and around you – there are one of 2 things you can do – You can focus on Christ and NOT on the storms and Jesus will rescue, redeem and save you, OR you can focus on the difficulties, the high waves and the storms, which will place the focus on yourself, the hardships and seeming impossibilities. Recently Pastor Israel Pochtar wrote about the troubles the Jews are facing worldwide. He said – “Our ultimate security is not found in circumstances, but in God’s presence and care and protection.”
Paul words in 2 Cor. 4 confirm that we must NOT lose heart, that we should not become discouraged on what we see, because what we see can remove our concentration from Christ and eternity. We must centre our lives and focus on Christ’s glory, SO THAT we remain strong in faith and ready for Eternity and all it has to offer. Col. 3:2 tells us – “SET/put/place your minds on things above and NOT on things that are on the earth.”
Jesus reminds us in John 14:3 – “And if I go and prepare a place for you – I will come back and take you to be WITH ME that you may also be where I go.” What an enormous comfort and joy to know that our next Home is being prepared for us – the mortgage is paid, the rooms are ready and beautiful, there is NO sorrow or crying, anxieties or sickness there – ONLY the sweet presence of our Blessed Saviour will give us much joy, peace, contentment and genuine happiness.
Our daily prayer needs to be – “Lord, keep me steady! Help my focus and determination to be fixed on Thee and NOT on the storms around me. Job 23:10-11 says –“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” Abba Father KNOWS the paths we are on. He sees the future better than we see it ourselves. He is aware of every step we have walked and every step we must still take in the future. If we follow closely in HIS footsteps, and focus on HIM, we will be safe and secure, despite the storms raging around us. When we walk in Christ’s footsteps during storms, HE WILL lead the way, and it will become easier for us.
Blessed most precious Abba Father God, thank You that You lead me, that You watch over me, and that You know every step and every path I must walk. I place my life in Your precious Hands and desire to go where You lead me. Keep me steady Lord as I follow You and help me to focus steadfastly on You and not on the storms of this world.
Myrtle Turunen