Message
A person's strength of character is best revealed in person's strength of character is best revealed in person's strength of character is best revealed in person's strength of character is best revealed in person's strength of character is best revealed in the midst of adversity (). You will be surprised at the level of unbelief demonstrated by many who claim to be children of God when they are faced with adverse situations. At such times, fear makes many lose their hold of God's infallible word; this is what happened to the disciples in today's Bible reading. They were so afraid of the great storm threatening their lives even though Jesus was right there in the boat with them. At that moment, they forgot all the great deeds they had seen Him do and all the powerful things they had heard Him teach. Think about yourself, how do you react when you are in trouble like the disciples? Do you blame God, or do you act as if He is not even there with you at all? You must always remember that Jesus Christ is with you in the boat of life. Not only is He with you, but He can also feel the turbulence of the boat and will come to your aid once you call on Him. says of Him:
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
He personally promised to be with you always, even to the end of the world (). How comforting! In addition to this promise, He also said to you in :
Fear not:for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
I must, however, point out that only the redeemed of the Lord can lay claim to His promises in this Scripture. Have you been transformed by the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary? Do you have the assurance of salvation in your heart? If you are genuinely saved, I congratulate you. Nevertheless, our Lord wants you to demonstrate faith in Him by trusting Him in the midst of adversity. It is impossible to please God without having faith in Him (). I, therefore, encourage you with these words of the Master in that says:
…Have faith in God.