Paralyzed

What do you do when you feel paralyzed in your circumstances? What do you say to someone who is going through the worst season of their life? When life happens, times can get extremely tough. For those who have a daily relationship with Christ, thoughts of doubt that He is in control may creep in. The encouraging reality is that even when we are not faithful, He is always faithful. He will get you through. He always delivers. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of those comfort verses which says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The reality behind that verse was that the Israelites still had to suffer for 70 years before they were delivered. You think their faith was tested? Or how about Noah. Do you know that it took him 120 years to build the ark. Imagine what his thoughts were after 2 years without the frame even completed, but he just kept pressing on. 

In Matthew 14, Peter was the only one that wasn't paralyzed by Jesus walking on the water. When Jesus asked Him to come, he wasn't paralyzed by fear, distractions, or discouragement. God has you in this season for a reason. Don't let it paralyze you from doing the things that God wants you to do. Trusting God may be the hardest and most challenging thing to do right now but just keep going. Just keep your eyes on Him because the moment you take them off Him, you'll sink.

Again in Luke 22 at the Last Supper, there is another incredible encounter with Peter and Jesus. Right before Jesus tells Peter that he will deny Him three times, Jesus said that He has prayed for him. In fact, He says in verse 32, "But I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not fail. And WHEN you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." How is this encouraging? Jesus knew that Peter was going to fall, but He also knew that Peter was going to rise back up. Jesus knew that Peter's going down would not be a staying down. We know this because Jesus said 'when', not 'if'. God knows you are struggling. He wants you to trust Him, even though you feel hopeless.

If you haven't heard a Word from God yet, keep praying, keep trusting, keep believing. Your time will come, don't waste it. God is preparing you for something great. Perry Noble says, "Before God wants to do something through you, He wants to do something great in you." Don't stay paralyzed. Get out of the boat and walk towards Him. Keep your eyes focused on the promise and have faith. God is preparing you for something great!