Friday, September 12, 2008

Walking on Water


Please Pray! This is my first hurricane experience! I made Flint go to the store with me last night to make sure our pantry is stocked (not that it wasn't already) with food in case we needed a couple of days supply, batteries, bottled water...you know, staples!!! Flint thought I was loosing my mind, but everyone else in town had the same idea as me! Since we live over 200 miles inland, we really do not know what to expect. Either way we want to be prepared. As of right now we are expecting up to 70 mile per hour winds and lots of rain. I really do not know what that means, I just know I hate storms. We have so many friends and family members in Houston, Galveston, Lake Charles LA, and the surrounding areas. For some reason, no other hurricane has hit home like this one. Lord, please be with us!!!
I am reminded of the disciples out on the lake during a storm. Jesus told Peter to get out of his boat and walk toward him. He was testing Peter's faith. As long as Peter kept his eyes and focus on Jesus he was safe from sinking. When Peter looked away at the winds and the storm he began to sink. But Jesus, none-the-less, swept Peter into the safe embrace of HIS arms. This passage has become a lesson that I meditate on just about every day. We studied it last year in depth in my BSF class as we were studying the book of Matthew and ever since then I can't quit thinking about it. I LOVE this story and it can be applied to difficult times as well as daily life! We often see the distractions of this world and take our focus off of what is the most important thing we have to cling to- JESUS! All HE wants us to do is to have faith and HE will take care of the rest! How comforting!!! Suddenly, I can take these verses literally...we are about to experience a big storm. But, I know Jesus will hold our hands and keep as safe!
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 14:25-33

9 comments:

Laura Ann said...

We are also feeling the storm here in Houston. Sounds like you guys are prepared. We will be praying for you as you experience your first storm.

Anonymous said...

When Megan's Honey (my Momma) was a little girl she lived in the country - land that is now under Lake Ouachita. She often spent the night with her grandmother, Old Mother. If there was a storm when they went to bed, Old Mother would tell her to go on to sleep that God would take care of them in any storm, even at night. God stills takes care of us in storms. We will pray, trust & have faith.
Julia H.

His Doorkeeper said...

We are remembering all of you in our prayers. Be safe! God sometimes works wonders thru the storm!

Jenna said...

Keeping ya'll in my prayers!

Ham Family said...

Did you guys get anything out of Ike? We just got wind -- no rain, which was a bummer since we're SO dry this summer! Hope you guys are OK...

Corby and Lauren said...

I hope that y'all survived the storm...and more importantly enjoyed the Cowboys win last night!!! We were pretty jealous that y'all were there! I hope that you've been feeling well! Thanks for the encouragement regarding this week! You're the best!!!

Jessica said...

Ha, ha! Well, the childbirth classes actually covered tons of postpartum info too. They made us fill out household chore lists and talk about our expectations for once we came home. Maybe that would make Flint feel better (to know it wasn't all blood and gore). : ) You two are such a fun couple!

Susan said...

Great passage. Thanks for sharing! How did ya'll come out? Any damage?

Shannon said...

What kind of blogroll? Like on the side of your blog or in bloglines?