Can You Withstand the Crashing Waves?

~~~ Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 ~~~ Psalm 102 ~~~ Matthew 14:22-36 ~~~

Jeremiah, the prophet and journalist.

"The following message came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel:Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book."

When things are recorded they can be savored again at a later date.

Keeping a journal is something I have done for many years.

I often record a scripture verse that I want to remember because

it spoke to me in some way.

The gospel from Matthew today is the wonderful recounting of the storm,

Jesus walking on the water,

Peter attempting to also walk on the water,

and the healing power of just the tassel from his cloak.

Jesus sends the disciples off in the boat by themselves.

He goes alone to the mountain to pray.

Jesus needs to be alone to communicate with his father.

Jesus draws strength, knowledge of the father's will, and peace by withdrawing.

He values this time of silence to rejuvenate himself.

We also need to have times of solitude in order to restore

our internal balance.

But while Jesus is apart from his disciples a great storm stirs up the waters.

The boat is being tossed about and the waves are crashing all around.

This is simulation of what life can be like for us.

As we venture out in our little boat the storms toss us about...

the waves threaten to capsize us.

If God is distant in our lives when the storms come

they can be so much more frightening. It is the storms of life that

force people to get out of the boat into the water.

During these storms we sometimes are not able to recognize

the presence of God.

We believe we can handle things on our own only to discover,

as Peter did, we are not self sufficient.

Just as we begin to sink and the waves are crashing over our heads,

then we call out to God.

He immediately reaches out his hand to us and calms our fears.

It is only when we do not take his hand that we sink

into the turbulent stormy water.

"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

Jesus is there for us even when he seems to hidden in the swirling winds

and the raging waters of what we call our life.

Just as those healed by touching the tassel of his cloak we too can be healed

by keeping our eyes fixed on him.

We should never doubt that God will catch us

before we sink into the raging waters.

Have faith...make sure you and Jesus are in the boat together.

Each new day is a day to strengthen my commitment to have faith.

The true measure of my faith has come as a result of

withstanding the storms of my life.

Lord, I pray that all who read this post will reach out

and take hold of your hand.