Stand on faith
What do you do when you don’t see a manifestation of the presence and power of God? When it feels like you've been left behind, forgotten, or that your prayers go unheard, how do you stand firm in your faith?
In the Gospel of Mark, we see the disciples in a boat struggling against a storm when they see Jesus on the water.
“He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them.” Mark 6:48 (NIV)
The situation seemed dire, and it was in this moment that Jesus walked on the water, about to pass by them. It's a remarkable image that mirrors the times when we feel as though God has passed us by. The uncertainty of those moments can be disheartening, leaving us questioning our faith and His presence.
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 (NIV)
Does God's silence seem prolonged?
It's during these times that our faith is tested to its limits. When everything around us seems to indicate that God has forgotten or abandoned us, we have the opportunity to stand firm on faith.