A Daily Devotional with Pastor Doug Crouse March 4, 2018 

He Sees Your Struggle Scripture Reading – Mark 6:47 - 48 (NLT) “Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three 0'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them." 

It is so natural and human for us always to want to cry out to Jesus saying: 'Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry, while on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.

'Especially when we find ourselves in a place of trouble or struggle. But sometimes I think that if we will keep our eyes on the prize to which Christ is calling us that it may be better if we let Him pass us by! Really, you might ask????

Take this night for instance. Jesus had told His disciples to cross to the other side, then went to the mountain top to pray. There as he was praying (of course for them as well!), He saw their struggle against the wind, water and waves. Remember my friends, 'He Sees Your Struggle', too, and is at the right hand of the Father right now, ever interceding for you.

Remember His words that: He will never leave or forsake you, not even until the end of the ages, His promises are faithful and true, nothing is too difficult for you, He is working God's plan through you, and there is no one who loves or cares for you anymore than Jesus Christ the One Who came, lived, died and rose again for you, and He has placed His Holy Spirit within you to lead, guide and provide for you.

And especially remember that - He will take you safely through to the other side! I believe that was why Jesus intended to pass them by. For when we work through the storms of life we develop spiritual muscle and fortitude that comes even as the athlete trusts their coach and pushes through to new heights.

And so let's not be so fast to ask Jesus to deliver us from every trial or test as hard as it seems at the time, for He is in charge and shaping us not only for now of course, but for all of eternity to glorify His holy name. My sister, my brother - you can be sure today, Jesus will take you safely through to the other side! 

Prayer Father in heaven I trust You today, in all things. Even those things I find hard, or hard to understand. Lord Jesus fill me today with Your precious Holy Spirit and carry me safely through I pray in Your holy name. 

Memory Verse:  Philippians 3:14 NLT “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”