Invite Jesus into Your Crisis and Life

For a lot of people, God feels like a “last resort.” We call on Him when everything falls apart. When the diagnosis comes. When the job ends. When we feel like we’re drowning. And while God absolutely meets us in crisis, He doesn’t want to be your emergency contact—He wants to be your everyday companion. Jesus didn’t come just to get you out of trouble. He came to walk with you through all of life—the messy, the mundane, and the miraculous. He’s not just God of the storm. He’s God of your next breath.

This blog post is inspired by our latest podcast episode, God is With You in the Storm. We'll explore how to cultivate a continuous relationship with Him, build habits that strengthen our spiritual connection, and discover the transformative power of faith in both calm and turbulent waters.

The Storms of Life: Finding Jesus in the Midst of Chaos

We all face storms. These storms can take many forms – a health scare, a financial setback, a relationship crisis, or even just the overwhelming stress of daily life. It's in these moments that we often find ourselves desperately crying out for help. Where is God? Why is this happening? Is He even listening? While turning to God in times of crisis is a natural and valid response, it shouldn't be the only time we acknowledge His presence. 

Here’s the truth: Jesus doesn’t always calm the storm first, but He always shows up in it. You’re never in the boat alone. And that changes everything.

The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who encountered God in the midst of chaos. Think of Noah, building the ark in the face of ridicule and an impending flood. Consider David, facing Goliath with only a sling and unwavering faith. Remember Daniel, praying in the lion's den, trusting in God's protection. These stories remind us that God is not absent during our trials. He is present, offering strength, guidance, and hope. But these stories also emphasize the importance of their prior faith and consistent communication with God, not just during the hardship.

The Teaching in the Storm: Lessons from the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:39-40)

There’s a moment in Mark 4 when the disciples are caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The waves are crashing. The boat’s filling with water. And Jesus? He’s asleep. They wake Him up, shouting, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus stands up, rebukes the wind, and says, "Peace, be still!" and just like that, the storm stops. Then He turns to the disciples and asks, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

This passage offers several valuable lessons. First, it highlights Jesus's power over nature and, by extension, over the storms in our lives. He has the ability to bring peace to our chaos, to calm our anxieties, and to provide a sense of security even when the world around us feels unstable. Second, it reveals the disciples' lack of faith. Jesus' question challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we really believe that Jesus is capable of handling our problems, or do we allow fear and doubt to consume us?

The storm wasn't necessarily sent "by" Jesus, but He used it as a teaching moment. Similarly, the storms in our lives can become opportunities for growth and deeper faith. They can force us to rely on God, to examine our priorities, and to discover the strength and resilience we never knew we possessed.

Faith vs. Fear: Why Doubt Doesn't Disqualify You

It's important to acknowledge that doubt is a natural part of the human experience. Even the most devout believers wrestle with questions and uncertainties at times. The disciples, who had witnessed Jesus perform countless miracles, still struggled with fear and doubt in the face of the storm. This doesn't mean they were unworthy or that their faith was invalid. It simply means they were human.

The key is not to suppress our doubts but to acknowledge them and bring them before God. Honest questions and sincere seeking can actually strengthen our faith. Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," is a prime example. He refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he had seen and touched the wounds himself. Jesus didn't condemn Thomas for his doubt; instead, He offered him the proof he needed. This encounter ultimately led Thomas to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!"

Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear paralyzes us, while faith empowers us. Fear focuses on the problem, while faith focuses on the solution. Fear whispers, "You can't," while faith shouts, "With God, all things are possible." When we feel fear creeping in, we can actively choose to focus on God's promises, to remember His faithfulness in the past, and to trust in His ability to guide us through the present. Faith isn't the absence of fear; it's trusting God in the middle of it.

Building a Continuous Relationship with Jesus

Inviting Jesus into our daily lives means cultivating a continuous relationship with Him, not just turning to Him in times of crisis. This involves making a conscious effort to connect with Him regularly, to communicate with Him, and to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. Just as any relationship requires time, effort, and communication, so too does our relationship with Jesus.

This relationship isn't about adhering to a rigid set of rules or performing religious rituals out of obligation. It's about developing a genuine connection with a loving God who desires to be involved in every aspect of our lives. It's about opening our hearts to His presence, listening for His guidance, and trusting in His plan for our lives.

Building a continuous relationship with Jesus requires intentionality and discipline. It involves carving out time for prayer, studying the Bible, and engaging in activities that nurture our spiritual growth. It also involves being mindful of His presence throughout the day, seeking His guidance in our decisions, and reflecting on His blessings in our lives.

Practical Steps: Habits to Strengthen Your Connection with God

Here are some practical steps you can take to build habits that strengthen your connection with God:

• Start with Prayer: Make prayer a daily habit. Set aside a specific time each day to talk to God, to share your joys and concerns, and to ask for His guidance. You can pray in the morning, at night, or even throughout the day. There's no right or wrong way to pray; simply speak to God from your heart.
• Read the Bible Regularly: The Bible is God's word, and it contains wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for every aspect of life. Set aside time each day to read a passage from the Bible and reflect on its meaning. You can start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to learn more about Jesus.
• Find a Devotional: Use a daily devotional to help guide your Bible reading and prayer time. There are many excellent devotionals available that offer daily reflections and insights.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and prayers can be a powerful way to connect with God. Use a journal to record your reflections on the Bible, your prayers, and your experiences with God.
• Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Gratitude helps us to focus on the positive and to appreciate God's goodness.
• Serve Others: Serving others is a tangible way to express our love for God. Look for opportunities to volunteer your time, donate to worthy causes, or simply offer a helping hand to someone in need.
• Spend Time in Creation: Nature is a reflection of God's creation, and spending time outdoors can be a powerful way to connect with Him. Take a walk in the park, hike in the mountains, or simply sit and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
• Listen to Christian Music: Christian music can uplift your spirits and remind you of God's love. Listen to Christian music while you're driving, working, or relaxing at home.
• Find a Community of Believers: Connecting with other Christians can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Attend church services regularly, join a small group, or participate in other activities that foster fellowship.
• Be Mindful Throughout the Day: Throughout the day, take moments to be mindful of God's presence. Pause and pray before making a decision, offer a word of thanks for a blessing, or simply acknowledge His presence in your life.

For New Believers: Starting Your Journey with Jesus Today

If you're new to faith, welcome! Starting a relationship with Jesus is the most important decision you'll ever make. It's a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. The first step is to acknowledge that you need Jesus in your life. Recognize that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness and that Jesus is the only one who can provide it.

Then, confess your need for Jesus. Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. Trust in Him as your Lord and Savior. This means surrendering your life to Him and allowing Him to guide your decisions.

After accepting Jesus, begin to learn more about Him by reading the Bible, praying, and connecting with other believers. Find a church where you can worship and grow in your faith. Remember that this is a lifelong journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But with Jesus by your side, you can face any challenge and experience the fullness of life that He offers.

Resources: 'The Next Step for Your Journey' and Other Helpful Links

To help you on your journey, I've created a helpful resource called "The Next Step for Your Journey." This guide provides practical tips and encouragement for new believers and those seeking to deepen their faith. You can download a free copy here.

Here are some other helpful resources to support your spiritual growth:

• BibleGateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/
• YouVersion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/

Support the Podcast and Connect with Bart

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Feeling spiritually drained? Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

Embracing Jesus in Every Aspect of Life

Inviting Jesus into our lives is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It's about embracing Him in every aspect of our existence, in the good times and the bad, in the ordinary moments and the extraordinary ones. It's about recognizing His presence in our lives, seeking His guidance in our decisions, and trusting in His plan for our future.

As we learn to cultivate a continuous relationship with Jesus, we'll discover a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose. We'll find strength to face the storms of life, wisdom to navigate the challenges, and hope to persevere through the trials. And most importantly, we'll experience the transformative power of God's love in our lives.

Remember to check out the latest episode, God is With You in the Storm, for even more insights on inviting Jesus into both your crisis and your daily life. May you be blessed as you continue on your journey of faith!