"...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:20b
Have you ever faced a really tough time in your life and the frustration was multiplied, because it did not seem that Jesus was there for you? The disciples faced this very situation. Jesus told them to take their boat to sea while He stayed behind to pray. Suddenly, a powerful storm came up. The terrified disciples faced it for several hours before Jesus, making a pretty dramatic entrance, showed up to comfort them. So, why didn't Jesus come to them right away?
Well, think about it this way. When we are going through storms, it's human nature for us to have the mindset that, "I've just got to work this out by myself!" The disciples knew Jesus was on land and probably assumed there really wasn't anything He could do anyway. But Christ was praying on the shore for the disciples as He saw the storm come up. And you should realize that Jesus is also hearing your prayers in the midst of your problems.
Know this: There is nothing in this world that is stronger than Jesus. The fact is that He doesn't always give us a perfect peace and calm at the very moment that we're pouring out our heart to Him; sometimes the calm comes later. He will bring us His peace in His timing. You can face life's difficulties with courage because Jesus promises that He will be with you.
