Standing By Faith In The Crucible Of Crisis
[Jesus] said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid”.
Mark 6:50
It’s not really unusual when someone drops in unannounced for a meal. But when that “someone” turns out to be 5,000 hungry guests, then you’re facing a crisis.
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Twice in Mark 6 the disciples faced overwhelming challenges. First beside the sea and later on the sea they ran out of resources long before they ran out of problems.
George Müller, who often tested the resources of God, probes the inconsistency of worry in the life of the believer.
WALK WITH GEORGE MÜLLER
“Ponder these words of Jesus: ‘Just believe’ (Mark 5:36).
“As long as we are able to trust in God—holding fast in our heart the knowledge that he is able and willing to help those who rest on the Lord Jesus for salvation, in all matters which are for his glory and their good—the heart remains calm and peaceful.
“It is when we let go of faith in his power or his love that we lose our peace and become troubled.
“This very day I am in great trial in connection with my work; yet my soul was calmed and quieted by the remembrance of God’s power and love, and the result was peace of soul.
“The very time for faith to work is when sight ceases. The greater the difficulties, the easier for faith.”
WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Everything about the disciples’ circumstance encouraged them to give up. Yet Jesus wanted them to “take courage” even as hungry stomachs growled and angry winds blew. That’s faith—standing strong in the crucible of crisis.
Where faith begins, anxiety ends. It won’t make sense to others around you that you can maintain your peace and composure when everyone else is losing theirs.
Perhaps it will make them curious enough to ask you how you do it. What will you tell them?
