In the same boat in a crisis
Fear or Faith?
A question that I am often asked is, “Where is Jesus when I am in crisis?”
This blog will give There is insufficient time to answer this question fully in this blog even if I am sure such a huge question can ever be tackled to everyones full satisfaction.
Here’s what I know. Many years ago there were a group of men out together in a boat when a megastorm blew up. The wind was crashing over their small vessel and they were terrified that the boat was going to be swamped and they drown. In their fear they asked that very same question,
“Where are you God? Don’t you care that we are in great danger?”
Where was Jesus at this moment in time?
Jesus was in that very same boat. In their panic, when fear threatened to swamp them, they choose fear over faith. The very Jesus that they had watched help the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear again. This same Jesus that they had witnessed caring for whole towns and villages was right there with them… in the boat.
I take great comfort from this. I believe that God is not remote when we are suffering, but right alongside of us.
You might say that He is in the same boat.
If you check out where Jesus spent His time when living in Galilee He was often found right in the midst of pain and suffering. He was not a distant spectator but chose to come right alongside struggling people with words of reassurance, comfort and help. You can read it for yourself in the Bible – Luke chapter 8 verses 22-25.
Choose faith - a few suggestions
When the fear of Covid19 threatens to swamp you what can we do to choose faith over fear?
Here are some a few brief suggestions:
Work on developing strong mental health muscles.
In 1987 Terry Waite travelled to Lebanon on a mission to free hostages. Terry was taken hostage and held in solitary confinement for nearly five years (not just a few weeks!). Another man on death row centuries earlier said this; “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind.” Terry faced his isolation by choosing to keep his mental health strong by focussing on the things he could remember about Jesus. I suggest that we do the same. It is well documented that choosing to focus on the good and not the bad keeps you strong mentally. So switch off that news feed, limit the social media tweets of doom and gloom and stay mentally healthy by focussing on the Jesus who is in the same boat.
Work on developing a healthy body
There is the adage a healthy body means a healthy mind. We are being given a lot of advice about exercising even in confinment, eating healthily, going into the sun etc. We have more time than ever before to work on our health; use your time wisely to become fitter and healthier than ever before. These things will help you fight the fear.
Try praying.
When fear threatens to swamp you try praying this prayer: “God please calm my fears and still the storm raging in me.” The men in the boat did just that and were amazed at how Jesus chose to answer and help them. If you have never tried praying before then maybe now is a good time to start! I don’t know how God will answer you but from my experience and the experiences of many people throughout history God does answer.
I would like to end with these encouraging and comforting words. These are the words of the poet King, David. They reflect his experience of a personal relationship with God.
God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him. When I was desperate, I called out and God got me out of a tight spot.
May the Jesus who helped the desperate sailors also help you in your desperation. May He bring you comfort, strength and hope.
