As a sick little girl, I was afraid of the dark and of being alone. "Don't be afraid," Mama said. "I'm here." She gave me the comfort and security I needed to get through rhuematic fever and scarlet fever, allergies and heart trouble. Mama's home with Jesus now and I have kids and grandkids of my own.
Fear of failure or success and fear of having no value at all replaced my fear of the dark and being alone. That was until I found my personal worth in God, the Maker of Heaven and earth. My poor choices took me down a road of sin and destruction. Facing the next day seemed impossible and in my despair I wanted to give up. It was then that I felt the warmth of God's love and presence. Who was I that He would care for me? "Don't be afraid," I heard Him say. "I'm here."
Just when I think fear is no longer a part of my life, I see catastrophic storms in Australia on the news and hope that nothing like that comes to California.Then the news, thank them for their uncertain projections, says that the West Coast expects a storm that will change the way we live in California forever. When will this happen and what does all this mean? My thoughts go crazy!
Then I remember a horrific storm on the Sea of Galilee. Among Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen who had been through storms on that lake many times. This one was different. Just when Jesus' friends paniced, He showed up walking towards them on the water. "Don't be afraid," He said. "I'm here." (Matthew 14:22-36)
So if the predicted storm hits California, I will call on the name of the Lord, knowing He is always with me. I hope, my friend, that you will too.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for always being available to calm the storms of our lives. We love you and trust you to protect us and lead us in your way. Amen.
Showing posts with label worthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worthy. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, May 31, 2008
From Passive Aggressive to Compassionate
Our first camping/fishing trip for the year got off to a roaring start. The wind whipped against the motor home and brought down the awning before we got out of Sacramento. Once that was fixed we were on our way. We arrived at Whiskeytown and launched the boat in the horrendous wind, hoping that during the night it would calm down. It didn’t. In fact by the next afternoon it brought rain and it rained hard all night. The following morning we pulled the boat from the lake in the wind and rain.
Stuck inside the motor home for two days I read a great book, A Tale of Two Sons, based on Luke 15:11-31, by John MacArthur. By the time I finished the book, I had identified with the three main characters in the book, however, not in the same order as the Bible story of the Prodigal Son.
I first identified with the passive-aggressive elder brother. During my young years I tried to do everything right but I was not happy. I was impatient and judgmental. Frustrated and disillusioned I took the lifestyle of the prodigal son and did things my way. I made some bad decisions that left me lonely and depressed. After I made a total mess of my life, I cried out to God. I didn’t feel worthy of a life with Him and I told Him I didn’t want to go on living.
I heard His small quiet voice say to me, “Could you make it through today if I promise to stay with you?” Tears filled my eyes. “I guess I could,” I whispered. I picked up my Bible and I started reading. Peace came over me like I had never known. The following day I started off the same way, reading my Bible and praying. At first I didn’t know what to say and I just said, “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus,” over and over. Later I thanked Him for His word, faithfulness, and fellowship. Day by day I added more of His attributes and I talked to Him about things that concerned me. Today He is my best Friend.
Like the Father in the story, I pray for my family. He must have prayed a lot. Why else would he anticipate his son’s homecoming? I think it’s because he prayed for it. And so I pray for my family and I anticipate the wonderful homecoming we will share when we all get home to be with our Lord.
“This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:24
Thank you, Lord, for the hope of coming home to You some day.
Stuck inside the motor home for two days I read a great book, A Tale of Two Sons, based on Luke 15:11-31, by John MacArthur. By the time I finished the book, I had identified with the three main characters in the book, however, not in the same order as the Bible story of the Prodigal Son.
I first identified with the passive-aggressive elder brother. During my young years I tried to do everything right but I was not happy. I was impatient and judgmental. Frustrated and disillusioned I took the lifestyle of the prodigal son and did things my way. I made some bad decisions that left me lonely and depressed. After I made a total mess of my life, I cried out to God. I didn’t feel worthy of a life with Him and I told Him I didn’t want to go on living.
I heard His small quiet voice say to me, “Could you make it through today if I promise to stay with you?” Tears filled my eyes. “I guess I could,” I whispered. I picked up my Bible and I started reading. Peace came over me like I had never known. The following day I started off the same way, reading my Bible and praying. At first I didn’t know what to say and I just said, “Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus,” over and over. Later I thanked Him for His word, faithfulness, and fellowship. Day by day I added more of His attributes and I talked to Him about things that concerned me. Today He is my best Friend.
Like the Father in the story, I pray for my family. He must have prayed a lot. Why else would he anticipate his son’s homecoming? I think it’s because he prayed for it. And so I pray for my family and I anticipate the wonderful homecoming we will share when we all get home to be with our Lord.
“This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:24
Thank you, Lord, for the hope of coming home to You some day.
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