TRIUMPHING IN TURBULENT TIMES
Turbulent times are part of human life. Life is never just calm and rosy. There are stormy times when we need to brace ourselves for the rough ride.
However, we can triumph in those turbulent times. We can rise above the chaos and confusion of the times. We can navigate our way to a safe haven despite the vicious waves and winds.
The uncertainty and boisterous nature of the times can set in motion a series of negative emotions in our lives if we do not guard against them. It is easy to be fearful in such circumstances. Panic and pandemonium can set in. However, such times can also trigger positive emotions and activate our trust in God. It can serve as a catalyst to spur our faith to action.
Irrespective of the turbulence, we can stay in control. Being in control is a matter of choice not chance. There are basically two courses that open up to us. We can choose to react with fear or we can choose to respond with faith. Faith is a choice. Choosing to respond with faith paves the way for God to help us and bring us out to a safe haven.
Fear and faith are mutually exclusive. Every one of us can either react with fear or respond with faith. Faith has to be a personal choice.
REACTING WITH FEAR
2 Kings 6:13-17; 1 Kings 19:1-2,10,14; Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 14:28-32; 1 Samuel 17:11,23-27,32; Job 3:25,26.
There are many examples in the scriptures of those who reacted with fear when faced with danger.When the host of Syria laid a siege against Elisha in Dothan, on seeing the host early the next morning, Elisha’s servant reacted with fear and panic (2 Kings 6:13-17).
When Elijah heard the empty threat of Jezebel, possibly because of the spiritual and physical exhaustion, he reacted with fear (1 Kings 19:1-4).
When the disciples were confronted with a terrible storm, even though they were in the company of Jesus, they reacted with fear and worry (Mark 4:35-41).
When Peter was faced with the prospect of sinking and drowning because of the boisterous wind, he reacted with fear (Matthew 14:28-32).
When Saul and Israel were confronted by Goliath of Gath, the champion of the Philistines, they reacted with fear (1 Samuel 17:11,23-27,32).
When we react with fear, this sets in motion a lot of things: emotional paralysis, anxiety and panic. It sets in motion doubt and unbelief. It robs us of our emotional and physical security. This ultimately leads to defeat. We need to learn from Job’s example of the danger of reacting with fear (Job3:25,26).
RESPONDING WITH FAITH
2 Kings 6:13-17; Psalm 118:17; Mark 4:35-41; Daniel 3:1-20; 6:1-28; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Hebrews 11:32-35
Others in other generations face danger but reacted with faith. Elisha responded with faith to the siege of the Syrian army (2 Kings 6:13-17).
The Psalmist responded with faith when confronted with death (Psalm 118:17). Jesus arose with confidence and majesty, responded with faith and rebuked the winds, when confronted with the storm (Mark 4:35-41).
The three Hebrew children responded with faith when confronted by the furious Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace (Daniel 3:1-20).
Daniel responded with faith when faced by the possibility of death in the lion’s death (Daniel 6:1-28). Habakkuk responded with faith when faced with the prospects of a terrible famine (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
Responding with faith activates the promises of God. It brings God into the scene to help us and deliver us. It inspires within us the confidence and courage to confront the problem and conquer (Hebrews 11:32-35).
RELYING ON THE FATHER
Psalm 46:1-3; 118:6; 50:15; Hebrews 13:5,6; 4:14-16; 2 Chronicles 32:7,8; 20:14-17,20; Exodus 14:14; Philippians 4:6
Responding with faith is an index of our reliance on God. God is truly our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. This should lead to responding with faith despite turbulent water (Psalm 46:1-3).We can rely on God despite the challenge of any terrible Goliath (Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:5,6).
Hezekiah relied on God when besieged by the host of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:7,8). Jehoshaphat relied on God when confronted by the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:14-17,20).
The Lord is able to fight for us so that we will hold our peace (Exodus 14:14).We are enjoined to come boldly and in faith to the throne of grace that we may receive grace to help in time of need and trouble. When we call upon Him, He will deliver us (Hebrews 4:14-16; Psalm 50:15).