"But the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it."
If I was where God wanted me, why were things going
south? Isn’t smooth sailing a sign of God’s blessings?
Job’s friends thought so. One discouraging report after
another arrived. Property, children, servants; all gone in a matter of minutes.
Then he was afflicted with a case of boils and a faithless wife to boot. His
fair weather friends came over and told him unconfessed sin was the reason for
his troubles.
Jesus’ disciples were probably confused too. They had
watched Jesus feed five thousand plus with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Then he told them to cross to the other side of the lake.
Obeying and now far from land, they encounter a fierce
storm. The wind and waves were merciless. Seemed pretty unfair for a group of
men who had left all to follow him.
Ever been there? You worked hard for your spotless credit
record, only to have your spouse leave you and the bills. Now the creditors are
pouncing.
Or you reared your children by adhering to the “Train up
a child in the way they should go and when they’re old they will not depart
from it” principle. But they did and trampled on your heart in the process.
Actually, God never promised life would be fair; only
that he would be with us and take the bad and mold good from it. Expecting life
to be fair sets us up for disappointment with God and can also lead to
bitterness.
When Jesus came to the disciples walking on water, Peter
wanted to walk to him. He didn’t make it far because he began looking at the
circumstances instead of Jesus. But Jesus didn’t let him sink. He took his
hand, placed him back in the boat and calmed the storm.
Difficult and unfair circumstances give God the
opportunity to shine his goodness and power into our life. Like Peter, we need
to trust him by faith regardless of the situation or whether we understand the
reason for it.
Dear Lord we pray that we would trust Your wisdom when
life deals us unfair blows. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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