SEEK GOD IN IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES
J.D. Ketterman
Today’s Scripture: “As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple.” Jonah 2:7 (NLT)
Theme: When we feel trapped by storms and circumstances, we can remember God. He is the answer.
WEATHERING THE STORM
We have all been faced with “circumstances” that have made us feel helpless. Aging parents, ill children, unexpected expenses, dependency, change in employment status, disaster, threatened relationships, and the list goes on. With any of these, we may feel powerless, feel that a step in any direction is uncertain, and fear the situation may in fact worsen. It is a storm for which we feel weak and defenseless. The “what-ifs” become a near unbearable weight. Yet, there is an answer in faith.
Now, I am what many would consider “seasoned.” I have experienced a majority of those “circumstances” in my life. Yes, being a Military veteran, I have witnessed many "come to God” moments. I could attribute the self-confidence of extensive training, experience, personal strengths, and reliance on good leadership and great crews to pulling me through it all. But it was not those things. Deep inside, I knew and had the assurance that God was with me; that He is in control. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1, NIV)
SEA STORIES
As a veteran seaman, I have many scary ‘sea stories’ that could be considered dreadful circumstances. One time I was on a hydrofoil, chasing drug runners off the coast of Florida. I used night vision goggles to monitor and avoid gunfire. While pursuing the suspect boat, we raced in front of huge cargo ships and narrowly escaped collision. It was pitch black and we were flying over the water trying to catch them. They kept tossing out cocaine bundles and other drugs, weaving around and attempting to disappear into the Florida swamp. We didn’t have permission to shoot back (though one officer kept suggesting it) until, finally, we were allowed to send a few rounds across the bow. An engine caught fire, then another, and another until the whole vessel caught fire and they had to jump ship.
Every scary sea story reminds me: I must always seek God. I must have faith in the power of God and the love of Jesus Christ, strengthening my spirit because “He has this.” He always has me in His care, in every storm. Which brings me to Jonah.
THE OLDEST SEA STORY IN THE BIBLE
Jonah knew God’s will but did not want to obey when commanded. It took a storm to reveal God’s power. It took a fish to bring Jonah back to shore to do God’s will. Jonah’s faith was renewed. He experienced the divine revelation that God is all powerful. He sees and controls all. The belief in His love will see you through any circumstance. Take counsel with those that encourage you to seek God in difficult circumstances.
Make It Personal: What methods do you use to deal with hopeless circumstances? What storms and circumstances are you facing? Remember God. Pray the prayer below. Rest assured; I’m praying along with you.
Pray: Father God, with You as my navigator, I never sail alone. Guide me through perilous waters. Help me to realize that I cannot control everything. I put all trust and faith in Your love. When you speak to me, I will listen and act. Strengthen me with the Spirit who You have given me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Keep my mind focused on and guided by Your light. May my life be a living sacrifice to Your will and an honor to You in every circumstance. In Jesus’ Name I Pray. Amen.
Read: Psalms 46:10; Joshua 1:9; 1 John 4:16; 1Thessalonians 5:18
Weekly Memory Verse: “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45b (ESV)