That Rocks!

God sometimes must rock our worlds to shake us awake, stop us in our tracks, move us along, or mold us into shape—even unbelievers. The Philistines’ victory took the Ark of God’s Presence from His disobedient people, thinking they proved their god was more powerful than Israel’s. But their joy was short-lived when they found their hand-made idol that was standing next to the Ark, in pieces face-down before the One True God. They couldn’t rid themselves of God's holiness quickly enough after the disasters He brought upon them. It may seem people in your life with self-made superiority, causing you grief, are victorious. But don’t retaliate; God is watching. He said vengeance belongs to Him; He will repay (Rom 12:19).

Following Jesus’ instructions, the disciples got into the boat to cross over to the other side of the sea, but midway found themselves in a raging storm. Fear overtaking them in the darkness of the night, they didn’t recognize Jesus as He walked on water to meet them. As believers, we don't need to wait for Jesus—praise God. We may not always recognize Him, but He is always with us, ready to calm our fears and meet our every need (Heb 13:5, 6).

Does it seem the enemy has been victorious in your life, robbing you of joy and peace? Have you been mistreated or misunderstood? Or, like the Israelites, are you living disobediently. But if you are faithfully serving the Lord, feeling robbed, or God sent you into a storm, don’t be disheartened; He is with you to safely bring you to the other side. If God, our Father, who loves you deeply, is “rocking” your life, He wants your attention, trust, obedience, and every self-made thing you’ve created to fall before His authority. God wants His best for you: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer 29:11). Jesus is always nearby when you look for Him with all your heart.