Tips For Triumphant Living -- Do Not Fear

Matthew 8:23-26 says, "Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! Jesus responded, Why are you afraid? You have so little faith! Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm."

This is a powerful and familiar passage.

Obviously the storm referred to here is treacherous. The disciples believe they’re about to drown. They go Jesus asking him to save them and what is he doing—sleeping. How does anyone sleep in the midst of a deadly storm?

This is a beautiful picture of absolute trust. Jesus is so closely connected with His Heavenly Father that He’s absolutely unafraid, so much so that in the face of death he's asleep. He knows not to worry. Jesus rebukes his disciples and then rebukes the storm and it obeys Him.

Unlike us, Jesus is more than human. He is God. However, we’re called upon to see Christ as our example. That’s intimidating. After all, we’re just humans. Nevertheless scripture is clear in that we are to love one another, endeavor to be stronger, more faithful, trusting and all the rest of what Christ is. So when the storms of life strike do we walk in faith or do we cower and quake?

If we're quaking, perhaps we need to remember that our heavenly Father has not lost sight of us or our circumstances. In Him there is rest even in the midst of the worst storm. Rest in Him.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quote—Fear not that thy life shall come to an end but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.

Quiet Moments With God -- As Little Children

I often stand on my deck and look toward the back of our property where my mother-in-law used to live. I miss her. Verna shared our lives for many years and went to live in heaven five years ago. She was a special woman.

One of the things I loved most about her was her childlike heart. Matthew 18:2 – 3 says, He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Verna was no Bible Scholar, but she loved and trusted her Lord. She knew hardship and sorrow, yet never lost her love and trust of others. Although she sometimes displayed a crusty exterior her heart remained tender.

The day she died, she’d been gardening and was found lying among her flowers, looking as if she’d lain down to take a nap. In the end there’d been no struggle, only childlike faith.

All these years later, I catch glimpses of the kind and loving woman who simply believed and trusted. I can see her being caught into our Lord’s arms where He held her close. Verna's uncomplicated faith reminds me of what Jesus asked of all of us. We don’t need to be theologians, we simply need to believe.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie