In the Middle of It
Whether it’s fear over the election or uncertainty about your health or the health of a loved one, God never leaves you to handle a situation on your own. He is always with you. But too often, we forget that and react to our circumstances in a way that reflects fear more than faith. In today’s podcast, we’re talking about three things you shouldn’t do when you’re in the middle. I think of the story in Mark 4 where Jesus calms the storm on the water. You can learn a lot from Jesus’ response, but you also can learn a lot by looking at the mistakes the disciples made.
“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” - Mark 4:35-40
3 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re In the Middle
Play Into the Chaos
When you operate in chaos, you are on high alert. Things can feel chaotic, busy, and stressful. Your thoughts might be racing. Instead, you need to decide to operate in order. I like to ask myself, “How would I respond daily if I knew that I was going to come out on the other side of this completely fine?” When you panic, you express your lack of faith. Remember that God will use this all for His good and He will be with you, helping you come out stronger and better on the other side.
God is a god of order and the enemy thrives in chaos.
Focus on the Wrong Things
The disciples chose to focus on the storm instead of on Jesus and what He said before they left shore. When I have been in the middle and have chosen to focus on God, I have experienced more of his grace, his compassion, and his love. Guard your mind so that you think about those things, not the details of your situation. Focusing on the Lord and His character as you walk through your situation will help build your faith.
If your story doesn’t look good yet, He’s not finished.
React Emotionally
The disciples reacted emotionally to the storm instead of responding in faith. You can tell by the way they approached Jesus—full of fear! God wants you to bring your emotions to him, but your emotions do not need to rule your mind. Choose to respond in faith instead of reacting to your emotions.
Pray this: Father God, thank you for being with me all the time. I know that you are a good and faithful God. Help me to respond to my circumstances in faith instead of reacting with my emotions. Help me discern when I need to act and when I need to pray. Show me your faithfulness and use me as a testimony of your grace! In Jesus’ name, Amen.