Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus Calms the Storm
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
This was the basis of the sermon at church yesterday and it couldn't have been a better one for me to hear right now. Before the sermon during worship time they sang, "Praise you in this Storm" by Casting Crowns and "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me, two VERY pertinent songs to the message. (And the songs are playing on the blog currently). Pastor Clay talked about how Jesus went through storms and he still came through it. He wanted his disciples to also have faith and courage as he did. That's what Jesus also wants for us; to have great faith and great courage no matter what is going on in our lives.
"I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"" - lyrics from "Praise you in this Storm by Casting Crowns
I have talked with one of my best friends how tough this whole thing with my dad is for me to understand and how very difficult it is for me to "keep the faith". I see a man who has always been very strong in his faith, and still is, even though he has been beaten down and is ready to lose hope. Satan has tried many times to get the better of him through various aspects of his life and yet he continues to trust in the Lord and knows God has a plan for him. He hasn't blamed God for bringing this disease on him when he hasn't done anything wrong to his lungs. I find myself upset with God though for putting my dad through this and wondering why he isn't helping people find a cure or why none of these studies he's gone through have come up with an answer. Wondering how could he put someone who does so much for so many people through this and make him suffer all day, every day. It's not a fun feeling to know you are questioning God and his plan, but I still find myself doing it b/c of how much my dad means to me and how much it hurts me to see him suffering. However, because of who my dad is and because of how he brought me up, I know he would want me only to spend that much more time with God even though I may not find the answers I am seeking. So my goal from here on out (even though I know it will be a daily struggle) is to remember that even in this "storm", God really is with me, to remember I'm not alone and to seek him out, not to be upset with him, but to continue to praise him in this storm.
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm".
**Sorry this wasn't the "normal" post about the girls and such, but I just wanted to make sure I passed along the convicting message I heard in church this weekend. Was too good not to share. If it becomes available online, I'll be sure to post the link. And eventually I will get around to blogging about the rest of our Utah trip and the girls first day of school. This one just laid heavy on my heart.
2 comments:
I'm so sorry! I had no idea things were that bad. I kinda know what your going through with the questions and wondering why people we love have to suffer and why He can't just heal them, or find a cure. When Hunter (my neice) was first diagnosed as a terminal patient, we all went through it. Why? She was just a child. A normal healthy child. Why does she have to die? It may not make you feel better right now, but someday you will understand God's plan. I now understand that His plan for us. It was to learn not to judge people by the way they looked. They may have HUGE trails but you can't see that by looking only at the cover. Hunter looked like a perfectly normal child but had lost the ability to act like a normal child. And we always got comments on how she didn't behave well. They had no idea what she was going through and the damage that had been done to her brain. We also learned to cherish everyday with everyone and never have regrets. Someday you will understand and see the bigger picture. Just put your faith in God. And our brother Jesus. And remember that they are there for YOU. It OK to cry and feel sorrow but don't lose your faith. He is there for you more now than ever. Call if you need to talk. Love you!
i'm burdened with you and for you. i pray for your life to bring the King of Kings glory...no matter what it looks like to us hear on earth. That it's HE and HE alone that we boast in! i thank my God upon my every remembrance of you...and your family! what blessings you all are...and how you all bless the Lord! i love y'all!
"bring me, joy bring me peace, bring the chance to be free...BRING ME ANYTHING THAT BRINGS YOU GLORY, and i know there'll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus bring the rain."
love,
sarah
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