What steps can we take to trust Jesus' presence in our challenging situations? Setting the Scene – When Fear Locks the Doors “Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ (John 20:19)” The disciples are hiding behind bolted doors. Their Teacher has been crucified, rumors swirl, and hope feels thin. Yet Jesus — alive, real, and unthreatened by walls — steps right into their panic. What He did that evening models how we can trust His presence when life feels just as shut down. Recognize His Unseen Presence • Jesus did not wait for the disciples to get everything sorted; He initiated. • Hebrews 13:5 reassures, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Even when you cannot trace His hand, trust His word that He’s already in the room. • Practice pausing to acknowledge Him: “Lord, You are here, whether I sense it or not.” Anchor to His Words, Not Our Emotions • Emotions fluctuate; Scripture stands. Isaiah 41:10 commands, “Do not fear… I will uphold you.” • Keep verses on hand (written on cards, in your phone, on a sticky note) so truth can speak louder than feelings. • Memorize short promises (Psalm 23, Joshua 1:9) and recite them aloud when anxiety spikes. Draw Near in Community • Jesus appeared to a group; He could have met them individually but chose community. • In hardship, resist the urge to isolate. Call a believing friend, join a small group, attend church even when it’s hard. • Shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness amplify confidence that He is active now. Invite His Peace • Jesus’ first word was “Peace.” His peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Himself (Philippians 4:6-7). • Breathe out worries, breathe in His promised calm. A simple rhythm: – Exhale: “Lord, I release… (name the fear).” – Inhale: “I receive Your peace.” • Repeat until His calm steadies your heart. Remember Past Faithfulness • The disciples had seen storms stilled, bread multiplied, Lazarus raised. Remembering those moments prepared them to trust now. • Keep a journal of answered prayers and providences. Revisit it when doubts whisper, “Has God forgotten you?” • Psalm 77 shows the psalmist moving from despair to hope by recalling God’s deeds. Move Forward in Obedience • After revealing Himself, Jesus soon commissioned them (John 20:21). Obedience becomes the pathway where His presence is most vividly experienced. • Take the next faithful step — forgive, serve, speak truth, give generously. • As you walk out what He says, you discover He’s walking with you (Matthew 28:20). Putting It All Together 1. Acknowledge: “Jesus, You are here.” 2. Rehearse His promises aloud. 3. Stay connected to fellow believers. 4. Breathe in His peace, release your fears. 5. Recall specific ways He’s acted before. 6. Obey the next clear instruction. Doors may still be locked, circumstances still tense, but the risen Lord stands in the midst, speaking peace. Trust grows each time we take these simple, Scripture-grounded steps and find Him faithful all over again. |
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