Hey guys. I hope you’re well .

So today’s word on Wednesday, I wanted to share about the middle. When we talk about being in the middle, it’s like being between to points, it’s not quite where you started, but it’s also not where you want to be yet. The middle could be in the middle of a hardship, or in the middle of your recovery process. So I will reiterate, it’s not where you’ve started but it’s not quite where you want to be.

I was reading in Matthew 14:22 – 33, where the disciples were sent by Jesus ahead of Him and they encountered a storm while the boat was “in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves for they were contrary”. So, the disciples were in the middle quite literally and they were enduring a hard storm, To the point where they were crying out in fear. It’s in the middle of the night, and it’s scary. I think even the most of us would be scared too !

Often the surroundings don’t seem to be getting any better, in fact they even seem to be getting worse, but what happens? Jesus came into the picture. He came walking towards them in the water.

One thing I found so interesting was that Jesus didn’t immediately go and stop the storm but he addressed the disciples, and told them to be of good cheer? And I questioned why, why wouldn’t he stop everything else going on, and then talk?

I got my answer through looking at three verses:

1. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

2. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

3. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

In life, difficulties are going to come. Jesus himself faced loss (John 11- Lazarus, a friend of Jesus died), he faced betrayal from his own disciple Judas and was denied by Peter 3 times! Unfortunately there’s no guarantee in life that we won’t endure difficult times once or twice. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything, and a season for everything.

However, the guarantee that we have is that Jesus is always there. God is always with you. David said though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. He still has to walk through that valley, he is still having to go through it, but he fears no evil, why? Because God’s is with you. Again in Isaiah , God again gives the assurance that when we walk through the waters he is with us! We still go through them, but He protects us and he stands with us, and we should find comfort in His presence.

You know, if you’ve read psalms 91:1, “He who dwells in the secret place of the most high , shall abide under the shadow of the almighty, “. Your secret place is your hiding place, it’s where you run to. When you know that Gods presence is around you, no matter what you’re going through, you hide and you reside in that. And know that you’re not going through it alone.

Just knowing and having that comfort that someone is with you in a difficult time really helps, just being with you, can make you feel better than just being alone.

So, whilst we don’t get the guarantee that in life hardships won’t come, reside in the fact that God is with you, and he comforts you, and he will never ever leave you nor forsake you! (Matthew 28:19-20). He is good, and you are loved !

When you’re in the middle of the storm, know that this too shall pass, and keep pushing ahead. Keep on going, knowing and be assured that God is with you. Jesus may not have stopped the storm immediately, but He was present and in the middle of the storm with them!

~ peace, joy & love

tk

P.s share with me which verses keep you going in hard times. !