Faith Rises

 

Stormy days . . .

There have been many.

I hunger for the sun,

Yet see only clouds.

I seek rest,

Yet the whistling of the wind

And drumbeats of the rain

Form an angry orchestra against my window

And become all I hear

Until . . .

I find strength to rise

And hear the sweet sound

Of birds singing in the storm!

Loud and clear,

Sweet and triumphant!

If such tiny birds can still find

a song in their hearts to share,

then so can I!

by Martha L Shaw – © 6-30-2013

Words Can Make You Sink

Matthew 14:29-36

New International Version (NIV)

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

I just heard a young veteran, a born again Christian, speak of his time in Afghanistan.    He was injured badly there, losing both legs as he did his job . . . securing a building without knowing he was standing on a bomb.

He said that he didn’t feel the pain and thus didn’t have fear of losing his legs.  He said that he felt the Holy Spirit within him and felt assured he would go on and life would be good.  Maybe different but good and perhaps better than before.  Then he heard his buddies around him speaking of how bad he was and how they’d never seen such a dreadful injury.  His fear came then.

In the quote from Matthew’s gospel, we hear of Peter walking on water and his ultimate sinking into it as he looked to the wind  . . . now, having heard this young man speak, the question becomes what made Peter lose his faith and begin to sink?  What made him look to the wind and not to his Lord?  Was it perhaps the sounds of his friends in the boat who were worried about him and perhaps calling out in fear “here, Peter, grab this rope and we’ll help you back into the boat!”

Peter’s situation, storm or no storm, was unchanged.  He WAS able to walk on water toward his Lord and yet in that same situation and set of circumstances Peter also quickly began to sink.  We know the ending . . . Jesus was there and had a plan.

Jesus still does.  When Peter saw the storm and heard the cries, he surely saw an impossible situation.  It was NOT impossible though.  We know why.  How often do we Christians who know Jesus still use words which rather than reflect our faith, instead cause us or someone near to sink?  The storm was still there yet the outcome was entirely different . . . Jesus words versus human words of fear.

I often wonder if my mess is because I missed something Jesus told me.  Did He let Peter sink for listening to cries of human fear and the sounds of the wind?  No, Jesus saved Peter.  He spoke to the fear and the weak faith gently to teach and not to comdemn!  You?  Me?  We are no different than Peter.  We speak in faith but we also speak in fear.  Jesus has His hand out to us.

It Begins With A Seed

Poet's Corner

I will speak of your love

Even if it seems nobody’s listening.

I will love more gently.

I will proclaim your truth more loudly.

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Wind At My Back . . .

In Christ, even as I am at the edge of the cliff and the wind is at my back, where I will land is still His plan and will be both amazing and quite unexpected.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

The Lord placed these words in my face and in my heart during the very difficult but clearly purposeful task of selling my home and relocating here where I now reside.  This is my home on every level of my being and has been spiritually since long before my actual relocation.  Three years of a bad economy were required to sell my old place and I still wonder about when and where income will come . . . aside from temp jobs which have been few and far between.  The storms do not look as though they are moving off the scene yet, but I am as certain as ever that it’s all His purpose.

The impossible is only a reality in this world  . . . I am in it but not of it.  That truth makes all the difference.  My hands may tremble as I write this but my heart and soul know the Truth.

Six Word Saturday

Too many blessings!

I’ve lost count!

THE POWER OF TRUST IN GOD

Amen!

Six Word Friday – Kindness

‘ Click the image and join the fun!

Kindness!  

Restores . . . relieves . . . encourages . . .

Simple . . . Life-giving!

Day-Leigh – A Poem – A VBS Blessing To Share

The car door closed.

The sound of thumping quickened

And I looked up to see a little ray of sunshine

Running in my direction!

I smiled and saw the tiny face light up

And in an instant small arms spread

And I was swallowed up in them

As love surrounded me

And snuggled in close!

Jesus’ love is just like this!

By Martha L Shaw – © 6-27-2013

Walk by Faith, NOT by Sight…

Again you speak to my heart what I need at the moment I need it! Must share!

“Beyond Worry” by S. Arterberry

Jesus keeps speaking to me today and its all about His love and plan! The timing couldn’t be better as the news just this minute spoke of increasing numbers of folks living on the streets. Scary when you are without income. Trying to lay aside my worries. He has a plan and He clearly drew me to read this post right now. Thanks for posting it.