This weekend has been full of rainy days and I am reminded of how God is with us, even in the midst of the storm. He protects us. He guides us. He encourages us. But sometimes storms can lead to doubt. When we are bombarded with stormy days in our lives, when everything is chaotic and blurry, when we can’t see the light, we may feel afraid, hopeless, and lost. But sometimes God calls us to face our biggest challenges in the storms of life. We should not fear these challenges, because with Him we are victorious. Just look how Jesus led Peter to walk on water, in the midst of the storm. Let’s take a look at Matthew 14:24-32.

I’m paraphrasing the text here but basically the disciples were on a boat, in the midst of a storm. The disciples see Jesus walking on water, but they were afraid and in disbelief. I’m sure they were thinking, How can this man walk on water, and not just on calm water but troubled water? But Jesus calmed them, assuring them that it was Him. Peter wanted proof and told Jesus to command him to come out into the water with Him. Jesus did, and Peter walked on water too. As he stepped out, Peter then noticed the winds and the waves and he became afraid, and he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him. Of course, Jesus saved him, and he said to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Have you been Peter before? Have you been in a storm of life, seeing the evidence of God’s presence, but you still need proof? You might question God, asking if He is real, demanding Him to do something miraculous to prove Himself. You might delay your belief in Him until He does exactly what you want Him to do, giving you a sign that he’s real and trustworthy. So God gives you proof that He’s there with you. You take a step of faith but instantly begin to doubt God’s power and His presence in your life. “O you of little faith…” Many times when we are in trouble we pray to God for help. We pray, and pray, and pray and begin to believe that He will make things right for us. But when we see evidence of His power, drama may come, and we begin to doubt. Why is this? We can become so consumed with lies from the enemy in the form of comments made by friends and family telling us that things will never change and we should just accept things as they are. Why do we not fully trust God to do what He said He will do? Is is because we don’t clearly see the answer or think our victory is so far away? If that’s the truth, why even pray?

Have you ever noticed that in the midst of the storm, God calls you to a higher place in life? Maybe he closes a door so that you an walk into a bigger door with more fulfillment and purpose. You may even begin to see the gifts and talent He has given you, that you never had an opportunity to use until the storm came. Remember, diamonds come from pressure. Jesus called Peter to walk on water, not drown. When we have storms in our lives, God will call us to rise above it, not get caught in the chaos. All we have to do is have faith that He is there with us, guiding us in victory.

I challenge you today to have faith, even in the midst of the storm. Trust and believe that God is with you every step you take. Let us pray…

Dear Lord, please forgive me for not always trusting you. Forgive me for doubting you, even when I know you are all powerful and able to do more than I can ask or think. Please help me to not rely on my own strength and abilities when I am in trouble, but to put my faith in You. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have suggestions for blog topics relevant to single moms and youth, feel free to email us or comment below. Until next time, keep your Hearts in Faith.