Straining Against The Wind

By Joni and Friends|Published On: December 30, 2019|Categories: 4-Minute Radio Program|

The view from below a snowy mountain in a blizzard.

Here’s a powerful quotation you won’t want to forget.

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and listen to this quote: “God sets things against us to teach us to set ourselves against things, that we might master them ….” Now, it was James Baldwin Brown, a saint from the 19th century, who wrote that, and I’ve never forgotten it. Brown, a British Congregational minister, was commenting on the Gospel of Mark where the disciples are doing their best to row against the storm. They are wet to the skin, cut to the bone by the ripping wind; they’re fatigued and full of fear. There they are, out in the middle of the sea of Galilee with Jesus, unbeknownst to them, watching from a hill on a distant shore. It is a terrible storm and His disciples are in honest-to-goodness danger. At least that’s what they think. The slicing wind and the terrifying waves are good indicators that their boat is about to be swamped, and it is frightening.

And I’ve been there, and I know you have, too. The strong currents of life, whether a disability like mine or, for you, a difficult marriage, chronic pain, a demanding job. The constant pull of the current keeps us under perpetual strain. And I don’t know, but for some reason, the strongest currents of life always seem to be against those who cherish Christ. But God sets things against us – the waves, the winds of trouble and distress – God sets these things against us to teach us to set ourselves against things, that we might master them. My wheelchair is not about to swamp me, although at times it feels like it. Your demanding job is not going to pull you under. Your chronic pain is not going to drown you of all hope and comfort. How do we know that? Because the Master, our Savior, does not merely watch from on high; no, not from a safe shore. No, in the middle of the storm we find Him walking toward us, in the very crisis of the danger and the strain. He makes the churning waves a hard pavement for His feet; He draws near, enters the ship and suddenly, the danger is over. You hear Him say, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and in an instant, you know you’re safe. Those comforting words of Jesus have more volume than all the worry and all the tumult around you. You have welcomed God into your frightening situation, and a force stronger than the current is there to bear you swiftly to the shore.

Now, those aren’t my words, but the words of James Baldwin Brown. I love reading essays and sermons by Brown, and many others from former centuries. And it is my prayer today that whatever storm you’re struggling against; whatever currents are trying to pull you down; whatever feels as though you’re about to be drowned of your hopes and joys – oh, I pray that the Lord of raging waters will still the violence of your storm and bring you peace and rest. Please remember, God is your ever present help in any trouble. He’s not gonna leave you or forsake you. He promises His grace is sufficient. He’ll not abandon you, you, the work of His hands. He loves you with an everlasting love, and His will for your life is good, and acceptable, and perfect. Those wonderful words from J.B. Brown, and me, are for you. So, be of good cheer, Jesus would say. He’s with you in your storm; and He will come to you. He will walk on water for you. And you will reach the other side. These invigorating words come to you today from Joniradio.org. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!