Walking With Jesus - HopeSample

IT IS UNEXPECTED

What if Jesus walked on the water on a clear day and calm sea? The disciples would certainly applaud and cheer when He approached their boat. However, it was a pitch-black sky and the weather was very bad. The disciples were exhausted paddling the boat against that violent storm. The dramatic and unusual appearance of Jesus did not arouse hope but instead worsened their anxiety and fear. No wonder they thought that He was a ghost!

Don't we often experience the same thing? We have been exhausted in facing various problems in life and truly expect God's help. However, we have difficulty recognizing Him because the way of His coming is far beyond our expectations. Or it turns out that the kind of help that we receive is contrary to what we expect. Or the way God works is different from what we imagine. Instead of improving, our situation seems to be getting worse. We do not believe that God is at work. We become panicked because we are surprised to see God and His work. We think we are being tempted by the devil. 

Sometimes God's answer is different from what we expect. If we ask for strength, God may give us difficulties to make us strong. If we ask for wisdom, God may give us problems to be solved. If we ask for prosperity, God might give us the brain and perseverance to work. If we ask for courage, God may give us a danger to overcome. If we ask for love, God has given us problematic people to be helped. If we ask for mercy, God will give us a chance. When we live with God, we might not receive everything that we want, but we will receive everything that we need. God answers our prayers according to His will.

Next time, when our conditions are different from our expectations, pay close attention: maybe your Lord Jesus is coming closer!

Reflection: 

1. What often obscures our view of God's work?
2. How can we distinguish whether God is at work or the devil is      tempting?

Application: Build an intimate relationship with God so that you know for sure when He is working!