Your Present Moment

Written by Andrew Starr

Allow yourself to be put in these two scenarios today:

Scenario #1: You are with Christ after a long day's worth of ministering to the community. You are tired and ready to relax. Christ says, "Let us pass over unto the other side." (Mark 4:35). You get the boat all ready to launch and tell the others to hop in. During your somewhat short journey across the sea of Galilee, a storm arises. This storm you did not plan for, nor are you currently ready for, but it's too late to prepare because the storm just hit. Waves are crashing into your boat and coming up over the side, filling your small boat with large amounts of water. Fear grips your heart as you stand there, overwhelmed by the waves of lives crashing around you.

Scenario #2: You are with Christ after a long day's worth of ministering to the community. You are tired and ready to relax. Christ says, "Let us pass over unto the other side." (Mark 4:35). You get the boat all ready and are about to hop in when Christ says, "Hey, so on our way over there, we will encounter a pretty bad storm, you may want to prepare for it." You decide to take extra precautions for the trip. You delay your trip a few hours to let the bulk of the storm pass, extra raincoats are handed out, sails are double checked to make sure they can withstand the winds and maybe extra covering is added. You are all set for the trip, prepared for what is about to happen.

Let me ask you this question: Which scenario would you rather choose?

I believe every conscientious person would choose the latter. We would want to know the upcoming trial so that we can prepare for it. But by choosing the second scenario, what would you miss out on?

You would miss out on the power of God during your present trial.

What would you rather miss out on? The trial itself, as you prepare for it in your own strength? Or the power of God, as your helpless self can only rely on Him. Are you willing to exchange your present trial for the mighty work of your God during your trial?

One thing is certain: We cannot plan for trials. They come without warning and they cannot be properly prepared for. But, according to Psalm 46:1, God is...a very present help in trouble.

Your present problem comes with a present God. While we cannot plan for trials and be ready for them, our Sovereign God has already planned for your present trial. No need to panic, no need to worry and no need to fall apart...why? Because Psalm 46 reminds us, not once, but twice, that the Lord of host is with us (vs. 7 & 11). Our feeble, mortal minds must be reminded, God will never leave us nor forsake us.

In your present trial, God is a present help. Do not wish your trial away, instead, accept it, anticipating the power of God through it.

I have heard it said that God will either calm the storm around you or He will allow the storm to rage and calm you during the storm. Allow God to calm you during your storm. You did not know this storm would come, but God prepared for this present moment.