Tossed

On a recent Sunday, our pastor preached a wonderfully encouraging
sermon from the book of Matthew.  The passage of Scripture retold
the story of the Lord Jesus coming to His disciples on the stormy sea.
He was walking on the water, and Peter asked to come out to Him.

We know how that turned out, don't we?

Peter began to sink and cried out to the Lord to save him.
The Lord reached out and pulled him to safety.
He then chastised Peter for his little faith.

Our pastor pointed out, however, that little faith is not no faith.
I like that.  Little faith is enough when saving is involved.
Of course, we want to see our faith increase, so we pray.

And, the Lord very often answers by sending trials.

~ Austin's Rose in full bloom 2014 ~

At the end of his sermon, our pastor read the following quote.
It was such a blessing to my heart.  I trust it will bless yours as well.

“There is encouragement here for all true Christians. 

Let them know that there is nothing created, which is not under Christ’s control…

He may allow His people to be tried for a season, 

and tossed to and fro by storms of trouble. 

He may be later than they wish in coming to their aid, 

and not draw near till the ‘fourth watch of the night.’ 

But never let them forget that winds, and waves, 

and storms are all Christ’s servants. 

They cannot move without Christ’s permission. 

‘The LORD on high is mightier than the mighty waves of the sea’ (Psalm 93:4).

Are we ever tempted to cry with Jonah, ‘the floods compassed me about: 

all thy billows and thy waves passed over me’ (Jonah 2:3). 

Let us remember they are ‘His’ billows. Let us wait patiently. 

We may yet see Jesus coming to us, ‘walking on the sea.’” 
~ Quoted from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, p.167 by J.C. Ryle ~

Be encouraged.  Our Great God is with His people in every trial.
His ways and purposes are so much higher than ours.
His grace is always sufficient.  His ways are always best.

If you find yourself to be without Him in the life you live,
cast yourself upon Him.  He is faithful to save.
Utterly and completely.  For all eternity.

Many Blessings,
Camille