Jesus, Our Rescuer in Hard Seasons

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the Change” as Jesus has changed us. We do this by “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve to love in action. Today, we explore how Jesus rescues us in our hardest seasons, offering hope and transformation.

The Promise of Rescue

In the song “Rescue” by Jordan St. Cyr, the lyrics resonate deeply with many of us: “In my hardest season, your promise held true. And every time I’ve given in, Lord, you’ve proven again that you’re still my Savior now. Jesus, you came through when I needed rescue.” These words remind us that Jesus is always there to rescue us, even in our darkest moments.

Paul’s Transformation

Consider the story of Paul, formerly known as Saul. On the road to Damascus, he was on his way to persecute more Christians when he encountered Jesus. Acts 9:3-6 (ESV) recounts this life-changing moment: “Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'” This encounter transformed Saul into Paul, a devoted follower of Christ.

Our Own Hard Seasons

Just like Paul, we all face hard seasons in life. Things don’t always go the way we think they should, and we find ourselves in need of rescue. Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV) says, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Jesus steps in and saves us, offering hope and transformation.

Scriptural Foundation

Romans 5:3-5 (ESV) says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Our trials and sufferings are opportunities for growth and transformation, leading us to a deeper reliance on Jesus.

Study, Share, Serve

1. Study: To navigate hard seasons, we must study the Word of God. James 1:2-4 (ESV) says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” By studying the Bible, we find strength and guidance in difficult times.
2. Share: Sharing our experiences and the hope we find in Jesus is crucial. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Our stories of rescue can inspire and encourage others.
3. Serve: Serving others, especially in their hard seasons, is a powerful way to demonstrate the love of Jesus. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” By serving, we become instruments of God’s rescue in the lives of others.

Conclusion

Today, you have the opportunity to open your heart and allow Jesus to rescue you in your hard season. He offers hope, transformation, and a new beginning. Romans 8:28 (ESV) says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Trust in Jesus, our rescuer, and experience the peace and transformation He offers.