Where Are You, God?

Finding Peace in Crisis: Leaning on Faith in Jesus

Many years ago, my sister died unexpectedly. She was in her early 30's. It was a time of complete chaos and grief for my family. Especially, me. My sister was my best friend. She was my brother's youngest sister and my parent's youngest daughter. I didn't have the strong relationship that I now have with God, and my world began to fall apart. I was mad at God. Why would God do this to us? My sister was good, and funny and had a long life ahead of her. It didn't seem fair.

In my darkest days, i even doubted that God existed at all. But soon, God changed my heart and I began to realize, He had never left us. He didn't do anything to us. He was there, providing love and peach and comfort. I just needed to be quiet and feel the Holy Spirit working all around me.

Life is unpredictable. One moment, everything may seem perfectly fine, and the next, you may find yourself facing a crisis that shakes your very foundation. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a health diagnosis, a financial struggle, or simply the weight of overwhelming circumstances, crises can feel isolating, confusing, and even hopeless. But in these darkest moments, there is a comforting truth: God is with you. And when you lean on your faith in Jesus, you can find the peace and understanding you need to endure, no matter how fierce the storm.

The Promise of God’s Presence

The Bible reminds us time and again that God is near to the brokenhearted and promises never to leave us or forsake us. In Isaiah 41:10, God says:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

This verse is more than a reassuring piece of scripture; it’s a promise of divine presence in our lives, especially during trials. God does not abandon us when life gets tough. Rather, He draws near, offering strength, comfort, and peace that surpasses all understanding. But we have to seek him in these times.

During a crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. We might start to ask questions like, Why is this happening to me? or Where is God in all of this? It’s in these moments, however, that we need to hold fast to the truth that God is with us, even when we cannot see or understand His plan. His presence isn’t always accompanied by dramatic signs, but it’s felt deeply in our hearts when we seek Him through prayer, scripture, and quiet moments of reflection.

The Power of Faith in Jesus

When crisis strikes, we may feel as though we’re losing control. But the good news of Jesus Christ offers us an anchor—something solid to hold onto amidst the chaos. Jesus Himself faced suffering, rejection, and death on the cross, yet He endured with an unwavering trust in God’s will. He understood pain, and He also understood God’s ultimate purpose. This is why we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus, in His humanity and divinity, understands our pain.

In John 14:27, Jesus offers us peace that is different from what the world gives:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

This peace is not about the absence of trouble but the presence of God’s sustaining strength in the midst of it. It’s a peace that transcends circumstances—a peace that guards our hearts and minds, even when the storm rages on. By leaning into Jesus, we can experience a peace that isn’t dependent on our situation but rooted in the assurance that God is sovereign, and He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).

Trusting God’s Plan, Even When We Don’t Understand It

Crisis often brings with it confusion, and sometimes, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. Why is this happening? What is God’s purpose in this trial? It’s natural to want answers when we’re hurting. However, faith in Jesus invites us to trust in God's wisdom, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Psalm 9:10 says:

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

In times of crisis, trusting God’s plan doesn’t mean that everything will immediately make sense. But it means surrendering control and allowing God to guide us through the storm. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), and while we may not understand His purpose in the moment, we can trust that He is working for our ultimate good.

Leaning on your faith means acknowledging that God is always at work behind the scenes, even when we can't see it. His peace doesn’t depend on our ability to comprehend every detail; it’s rooted in knowing that He is good, faithful, and just.

Peace Beyond Understanding

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we face crisis, it’s natural to feel anxious. But in those moments, we can find peace by surrendering our worries and trusting God to carry us through. Through prayer, we can lay down our fears, our anxieties, and our doubts. And in return, God offers us a peace that the world cannot give—a peace that transcends understanding and guards our hearts from despair.

It’s not a peace that guarantees immediate solutions, but a peace that assures us of God’s presence and His perfect plan. Even in the midst of trial, we can experience a deep sense of peace that is rooted in the unshakable truth of God's love and faithfulness.

Leaning on Community

In times of crisis, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. God places us within a community of believers who can support us, pray with us, and remind us of God’s promises. The body of Christ is a source of strength, encouragement, and comfort. Surrounding ourselves with a loving church family, friends, or mentors who can help us stay focused on Jesus during difficult times is invaluable.

Together, we can share our burdens and lean on each other, knowing that the presence of God is with us in our collective faith. And as we support one another, we also grow in our understanding of God’s love and His capacity to bring peace in every circumstance.

Conclusion: Peace in the Midst of the Storm

When crisis strikes, it’s easy to feel helpless and alone. But God’s Word reminds us that He is always with us, offering His presence, peace, and understanding. Through our faith in Jesus, we can find comfort and strength, even in the most challenging seasons of life.

Leaning on our faith doesn’t mean we won’t face hardship. It means that, in the midst of hardship, we will never face it alone. With Jesus by our side, we can find peace beyond understanding, trust in God’s good plan, and rest in the assurance that He is with us always—no matter the storm. We don't deserve his grace, but yet he gives it abundantly.

So, if you’re facing a crisis today, remember this: God is with you. Lean on Him, trust in him and in His promises, and experience the peace that only He can provide. He will not fail. I hope this encourages you to quiet your spirit and feel his presence. He will carry you through your hardships. Stay faithful.

Lisa Mears, Family Joy Life Coach