The Miracle of God's Presence

There are many things in this life you can’t handle. As a matter of fact, I find most days to be more than I can handle. Life is full of pain: death, disease, and destruction. The pain is worse if you believe that no one cares and is unbearable if you believe God doesn’t care. Sometimes, in the worst storms of your life, you might feel as though God has deserted you. You are not alone in this feeling. In fact, some of the Bible’s psalms are prayers where the author expressed feelings of abandonment by God.

The good news is we don’t have to handle anything alone. Matthew began his gospel with another name for Jesus—Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (1:23). This is the miracle of God’s presence. He will never leave you. He knows what you are going through, and He wants you to realize that He is with you. He is greater than the storm you currently face.

But here’s a question: Do you invite Jesus into the storms of your life? I hear Christians say things like, “I’ve got this! I’ve been through this before!” It is not until you discover your profound weakness in the storms of life that you can experience Jesus’ true strength from heaven and receive the miracle of His presence.

No matter where you are, Jesus can hear you from where He is. Do not be afraid of praying but rather run to Jesus with your requests because knowing Jesus changes everything. It changes the way you look at life and the way you pray in the face of pain and suffering. If you are ready to cry out, Jesus is ready to listen! He is with you always.

Reflect: Have you experienced the miracle of God’s presence in the midst of your storms? How so? If not, invite God into the storms of your life, acknowledge your weakness and need for His strength, and pray for the miracle of His presence in your pain.