Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 4
Picture this: The disciples are on a boat battling a relentless storm. They've been rowing for hours, weary and frustrated, questioning where Jesus is in their time of need. And then they see Him, walking on the water. It's a moment filled with uncertainty and doubt, as they initially mistake Him for a ghost.
But here's where the story takes a remarkable turn. Peter, known for his boldness, dares to speak up. He requests to join Jesus on the water, asking, “If it's really you, Lord, let me walk on the water and come to you."
Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 2
Do you ever feel like every step forward can feel like taking three steps back? We've all been there, haven't we? We put in so much effort, yet it seems like we're getting nowhere.
In this episode, we'll dive deeper into the frustration, exhaustion, and fear the disciples faced in the midst of the storm. It's a universal experience that many of us can relate to, especially during challenging times. But remember, just as the disciples eventually reached the other side, so will we.
Unveiling Our True Selves to God
In Exodus 34, we encounter a unique story about Moses. When he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God and getting the second set of tablets bearing the Ten Commandments, his face shone radiantly. This divine glow was a physical sign of his close communion with the Almighty. However, it frightened the Israelites, so Moses covered his face with a veil among the people.
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. - Exodus 34:35
Harmony in Unresolved Melodies
Ah, the sweet sound of a resolved chord, a musical sigh of contentment that brings a smile to our faces. I'm with you on that one! There's something deeply satisfying about a piece of music that ends on the perfect note, giving us a sense of completion. However, it’s becoming quite the trend to end a musical piece on an unresolved note. It drives me crazy! I feel like we’re in the middle of the song, and then suddenly, we’re on to the next song. Huh? What just happened?
Plot Holes or Potholes?
You know that feeling when you're in the zone, pounding away on a keyboard, and in the middle of a writing sprint that's like a caffeine rush for your creativity? (If you’re not a writer, you’ll have to equate this to some other project you’re elbow-deep in.) So there I was, watching my tale come alive on the screen and giggling in excitement. The story was full of twists and turns, excitement, mystery, and anything else I could throw at it. And the best part of all? It was almost finished!
Finding Hope and Blessings in God’s Timing
Waiting can be a real test of patience, especially in our fast-paced world where everything seems to be just a click away. But you know what they say - good things come to those who wait. And trust me, God knows how to make us wait.
Think about it - we live in a culture of instant gratification. We want our fast food, our express checkout lanes, and our next-day Amazon deliveries. Waiting is not exactly our strong suit. Yet, time and again, the Lord puts us in the waiting room of life. It's like He's saying, "Hold up, my child. I've got something better for you, but you'll have to wait a bit."
Embracing Storms With Jesus
I want to dive into one of my favourite stories from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus walked on the water, and Peter took a bold step of faith to join Him. It's a story full of awe, wonder, and valuable lessons.
Daring To Hope Again
Today, I want to discuss something close to my heart - hope. You know, that beautiful thing that sometimes slips through our fingers, leaving us feeling lost and unsure. But fear not, because just like the theme of the book I’m currently working on suggests, we can dare to hope again!
Life can be challenging, and we all face our share of ups and downs. There are moments when hope seems like a distant memory, fading away with every passing trial. But let me tell you a little secret: hope is not lost forever. It may be buried deep within, waiting for the right moment to burst forth like a radiant sunrise.
Battles Lost and Victories Won
In the book of Ezra, the rebuilding of the temple faced opposition from both within and without. Countless attacks and attempts to infiltrate the workforce eventually led the enemy to approach the king, arguing that the temple's reconstruction would be detrimental to business. Their persuasive argument resulted in a government decree to cease, bringing the work to a standstill for over 15 years.
I can relate to how the Israelites felt during that time. Since we received news about the government questioning the validity of our sponsorship and the pending outcome of our appeal, our ministry here in Wales has had to pause temporarily.
Embracing Life’s Mix of Good and Bad
Life is a fascinating journey, isn't it? It's a blend of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, blessings, and challenges. As Christians, we may sometimes find ourselves longing for a perfect life, free from difficulties and setbacks. However, the reality is that life, even for the believer, is a beautiful medley of good and bad.
This summer in Wales, the weather has been an apt metaphor for life's unpredictable nature. We've experienced days of cool rain, perfect for cozy indoor activities like reading and writing. But alongside those rainy days, we've also had moments of warm sunshine that beckon us to venture outdoors and soak up its rays.