November 12th, 2011
Morning Facebook world:) During my prayer time today God prompted me to share another picture. Today’s picture was a an old weathered ship fighting the gales of a hurricane. To draw on another movie parallel, the hurricane was as violent as the one in “The Perfect Storm.” In the center of the ship was a giant mast. And lashed to the mast was one single person. He was… fighting to catch His breath, as the crashing waves covered him. His hands were tied behind him around the mast. He seemed completely helpless to save Himself. But facing continually forward - the steadfast gaze in His eyes – made it clear He was undaunted by the terror. He was determined to ride the storm out. As you have maybe guessed, the single person lashed to the mast was Jesus. God reminded me that His love for US lashed His son to the cross and Jesus’ love for His Father gave Him the determination to stay the course and suffer the storm to its end. Hebrews 2:10 says, “For it was fitting for Him…in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
I don’t know what storm you’re facing today. After receiving reports of terminal cancer in my life time – I got a good report from a threat today. Maybe the storm for you today is cancer. Maybe it’s financial ruin. Maybe the relationship you value most is slipping from you. You may feel as though your hands are tied but may I remind you – because of Jesus – we are far from helpless. God alone has set the course of our life. And if He has allowed the storm, it’s because the reward that lies on the island ahead is WELL worth the fear and pain we’re facing. As the picture reminds us – Jesus, having weathered the greatest storm of all knows exactly how to lead us to that place. Psalm 107:25-30 “He spoke, and the winds rose stirring up the waves. Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths. The sailors cringed in terror…and were at their wit’s end. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness.”
Your pain today has purpose. Our winds of adversity are driving us to the heart of God’s glorious plan – the only place of rest and satisfaction that exists on Earth. Let’s enjoy the thrill of the turbulent waves. Surely we have learned by now that God can and will calm them with one Word – in His perfect time. Isaiah 42:10, “Sing all you who sail the seas…”
Dear Marty ~ This is my first visit to your blog, per directions from your sweet Mom. You would be surprised to know how appropriate your “The Perfect Storm” devotional is today, but when The Blessed Holy Spirit is directing, we should never be surprised, should we? Borrowing words from a song….”If The Master of the sea is also my Pilot, I’ve nothing at all to fear”. Many thanks for sharing your insights. May The Hand of God rest on you as you continue to serve Him!
How wonderful to hear from you Carolyn! You’re right – we never should be surprised when God parts the veil of Heaven and speaks to us through a chosen “land-line.” Yet our flesh does work to convince us that God’s too busy to stop and encourage us in such a personal way. Indeed – every time God “direct dials” my heart – I marvel – as though it was the first time
Great is the Lord – and WORTHY of GLORY. Tonight we celebrated my Mom’s birthday with twenty-four members of our family – including seven of Mom’s great grandchildren. We took the time to take a long, leisurely walk down memory lane. It’s fitting that the minute I saw your name – I thought back to the years when God used your angelic voice to tenderly calm my heart during a storm. I remember Mom stopping by your house and wanting to catch a glimpse of you from the car. I wanted to see the face of the one God used to charm my fears and bid my sorrows cease. The song you sang, “Fear not tomorrow,” reminds me still – as you mentioned – we’ve nothing at all to fear! God bless you for all the hurting hearts you’ve blessed and please give my love to your family!