What God Has Promised

And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them,“Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 

Mark 4:37-40

I suppose we can't blame the disciples for being afraid and believing the Lord didn't care about their dire situation. After all, they were in a "fierce gale" and it appeared they might drown. But they had forgotten what Jesus had said before they set sail: "Let us go over to the other side" (v. 35). The Lord intended to remain with them and together they would cross to the other shore. They were in the same boat as Jesus. His will was to calm the storm and that's what He did. But what about the times the Lord doesn't stop the storm? Sometimes it rages on. Suffering continues, loved ones are taken from us, financial ruin happens. Does that mean God doesn't care and that He has abandoned us? No. Jesus said, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) God has promised "never to leave us nor forsake us" (Deuteronomy 31:6). "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). 


God Hath Not Promised
By Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.


But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.


God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.


But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.


God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.


But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing kindness, undying love.


Crippled and twisted most of her life with arthritis, Annie Johnson Flint knew a lot about suffering. Her disease helped her understand and encourage others who also were suffering.