Ever been in a place when it seemed like everything was falling down around you? Your business is failing, your marriage is definitely not what you thought it would be, you’re failing a class in school, or your best friend just dropped you like a hot potato? When that happened, did you think to yourself, “Where are you, God? Are you even there?”

The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them to take their boat to sea while He stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn’t Jesus come to them right away?

Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it’s human nature for us to have the mindset that, “I’ve just got to work this out by myself!” The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn’t anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your storms.

Know this: There is no difficulty in life that is stronger than Jesus. The fact is that Jesus doesn’t always give us perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we’re pouring out our hearts to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face your hard times with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.

Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH