No one knows what the coming year will bring. Usually we begin a new year with happy expectations of new beginnings and of great things but sometimes we get blindsided. Some type of tragedy strikes – loss of employment, an illness, a broken relationship, a death. Plans for the future are very easily destroyed. Trouble. We are never promised that life will be easy. In fact the Bible says that there will be trouble in this world.

It is at these times – times of trouble - that our faith is most important.

Luke 17 - Jesus was with His disciples. He pointed to a mulberry tree and told them that if they had faith even as small as a mustard seed, they could tell that tree to be uprooted and thrown into the sea and it would obey them.

Matthew 17 - In another instance, Jesus told His disciples that if they had faith as small as a mustard seed, they could tell a mountain to move and it would move.

A mustard seed is extremely tiny – smaller than a poppy seed. The plant that grows from that mustard seed can be very large. In fact, it is described with birds nesting in the shade of its branches. (Matthew 13:31-32)

Sometimes, through faith and prayer and God’s grace, we see a miracle. Sometimes they are physical miracles on the scale of mountain moving or tree throwing – such as sudden healing from a terminal disease. I have witnessed such miracles. But I think many times, by having in mind and looking only for the results we want, we miss the miracle that Jesus has in store for us. The mountain we are praying to move may be a serious illness. The mountain that Jesus moves may be in a change of heart. The miracle that Jesus wants us to experience may be such closeness to God that there is no longer worry, no more despair. It may be such closeness to our Creator that we confidently look forward to whatever God has in store. This situation will bring about a victory far greater than the one we imagined.

Trouble will come.
And when it does, look for the mountain that Jesus wants to move and remember that no matter what is going on around you; keep your attention on Jesus. Trust Him completely. He promises that He will keep you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3)

Never doubt that, whatever is going on, God is working out every detail of life for your ultimate good. This is a promise for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Look expectantly to the future to see what God will do and rest in the perfect peace He gives.

A Walk With the Women of the Bible EBook by Lynne Chapman Join me in getting to know some amazing women of the Bible while we extract valuable insights and lessons from their lives. Now available for Kindle under new title A Walk With EVE Also availble in paperback from Cafe Press.

Names of God Ebook Almighty God. The Creator of heaven and earth. Our God is given names in Scripture that describe the characteristics of His personality. Experience God through the names given Him in Scripture.