Wrestling in the Storm: Finding Rest in the Midst of Life’s Challenges

October 19th, 2024

In life, we all face storms—times of chaos, confusion, and hardship that seem to overwhelm us. These storms may come from various directions, leaving us feeling unsettled and unsure. Yet, even in the midst of life’s challenges, we are invited to find peace and rest in Christ. The first week of our “Wrestle” series dives into the tension between wrestling with life’s struggles and discovering the rest and peace God offers us through His Word.

Understanding the Battle: Why Do We Wrestle?

The Bible tells us that we will wrestle with challenges, not just physically, but spiritually. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Our struggles are not simply with people or circumstances—they have a deeper, spiritual root.

Why do we wrestle? Romans 8:19-23 explains that we live in a fallen world, where humanity, creation, and our relationship with God have been disrupted. Sin entered the world, and with it came pain, confusion, and the enemy’s attempts to keep us from knowing God fully. Our wrestling is a direct result of this fallen state, yet through it, we can come to know God’s power and presence in deeper ways.

Three Storms: Learning to Rest in the Struggle

To better understand the balance between wrestling and rest, we look to three storms mentioned in the Bible that illustrate this truth:

1. The Storm of Peace: Mark 4:35-5:1

In Mark 4, we read about Jesus calming the storm while His disciples were terrified in the boat. What stands out in this story is that Jesus was asleep during the storm. His peace wasn’t based on the circumstances around Him but on His trust in God’s plan. Even when the waves crashed and the wind howled, Jesus remained calm. When the disciples woke Him, He spoke to the storm and brought peace.

The lesson? Jesus’ posture of peace came from His relationship with God. No storm could shake His faith. In our own storms, we are reminded that the same peace is available to us. As Romans 8:35-39 assures us, nothing—no storm, no trial—can separate us from the love of God.

2. The Storm of Purpose: Mark 6:48-50

In another storm, we see Jesus walking on water while His disciples struggle to row their boat through the wind and waves. What’s striking here is that Jesus wasn’t concerned about the storm. He was focused on His mission, and the storm didn’t distract Him. He walked on water as if the storm didn’t exist, showing the disciples that He was Lord even over the natural elements.

This story teaches us that storms may come, but they do not have to derail us from our God-given purpose. Just as Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat in faith, He calls us to keep our eyes on Him, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

3. The Storm of Confidence: Matthew 7:24-27

In Matthew 7, Jesus speaks about the importance of building our lives on a firm foundation. He describes two houses—one built on rock and the other on sand. When the rain, floods, and winds come, only the house on the rock stands firm. Jesus is our firm foundation, and when our lives are built on Him, no storm can destroy us.

This storm reminds us that our confidence and security come from Christ. The storms of life may be relentless, but they cannot shake the foundation of faith we have in Jesus. As 1 Corinthians 3:11 states, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ."

Finding Rest in the Wrestling

So how do we find rest in the midst of our struggles? The key is to shift our focus from the storm to the One who is with us in it. Jesus never promised that life would be free of storms, but He promised that He would be with us, providing peace, strength, and victory. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray, give thanks, and trust in God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding.

The storms we face reveal more of who Jesus is. Through each struggle, we can experience His power, love, and faithfulness in deeper ways. Our wrestling isn’t in vain—it brings us closer to the God who is above every storm.

A Call to Rest in Christ

As we reflect on these three storms, we see that the wrestling we experience in life is not something to fear. It is an opportunity to know God more intimately, to trust Him more fully, and to rest in His peace even when the waves crash around us. Let us be thankful for the storms, for they invite God into our midst and reveal His glory in powerful ways.

No matter what storm you are facing today, remember that God is with you, offering peace, purpose, and confidence. He is your firm foundation, and in Him, you will stand strong.

Calvary Orlando is here to walk with you through life’s storms. If you are facing challenges and would like prayer or support, connect with us here on our website! We have a prayer page just for you!

Don’t miss out on the exciting things happening at Calvary Orlando. Follow us on social media and visit our website to stay updated on our events, services, and ways to get involved.