We have been blessed with some beautiful weather here on the gulf coast these past few days. We've had overcast mornings with light rains which have been followed by beautiful warm sunshine and breezes in the afternoons. As much as I enjoy talking about the weather this blog isn't about the weather but I do want to share something with you from scripture that talks about the weather.
Luke 8:22-25
22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. 23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”
Okay so the weather is not the main focus of this passage of scripture but, as he does with all things, God uses this weather, specifically a storm, to show his power and majesty. I read this passage and sometimes I like to saddle up and ride my spiritual high horse. I like to think that these disciples are so flawed because they know what Jesus is capable of and yet they still doubted his ability to control the storm and keep them safe. Then I realize that I am just not all that different than the disciples.
Some of you may know that a little over a month ago we found out that Emma has a very treatable heart condition known as Patent Ductus Arteriosus. I'm not going to take the time to explain what all is involved with this (If you want to know more you can check out the link) other than to say that 90% of the time it takes care of itself and the other 10% a very simple surgical procedure can handle it. What I will take the time to tell you is that when I found out that there was something wrong with my little girl I acted a whole lot like the disciples did in the storm.
I share all of this with you not to elicit an emotional response or anything of that nature. I share this with all of you to help us all realize that we need to allow God to be the one in control of the storms in our lives and that only God has the means to see us through the storms of life. On Sunday night I shared these thoughts at a joint devotional between our teens and the teens of the Westside Church of Christ Youth Group in Alvin Texas. In the course of that devotional we sang the song "Shout To The North". The last verse of that song is my vision of what can happen if we as Christians allow God to handle the storms in our lives. I am going to leave you today with the words of this song. Don't get lost in the storm, look to God to carry you home.
Be Strong and Courageous,
Paul
Rise up church with broken wings
Fill this place with songs again
Of our God who reigns on high
By His grace again we'll fly
No comments:
Post a Comment