Joy and Peace in Suffering

What do you do when the journey of life gets rough? Do you panic and wonder where God is and why He isn't intervening?

The disciples panicked when they were faced with a furious storm, even though Jesus was with them. (yeah, I know, ridiculous, right?)

*Mark 4:37-41*
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Do you have faith? Do you trust God and take joy in your circumstances, no matter how painful they are?

*James 1:2-4*
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Don't run from God!!! That's exactly what the devil wants you to do! He has no authority over those who have been saved by Christ! Instead, press harder into God. Beg Him to restore joy and peace to your life!

*Philippians 4:6-7*
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Seek after Him with EVERYTHING you have. The fervent and effective prayer of a righteous man avails much!! And if we are righteous through Christ taking our sins upon Himself, then why don't we capture this concept?? Why do we settle for mediocre misery when we can have joy and peace despite any circumstances in our lives?! It doesn't matter if you're having troubles in your marriage, difficulty conceiving, trouble finding a job, dealing with the death of a loved one, or just depressed by the mundane of life... He meets us where we are! He can bring you peace and joy if you will just ASK!!

*Matthew 7:7-8*
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

I DARE you to ask in prayer. I DARE you to seek after His promises in the Bible. I DARE you to claim those promises by bombarding the doors of heaven with your prayers!!