June 4, 2014

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

6 comments:

Dianna said...

His grace truly is sufficient...regardless of our need. We have seen it proved over and over in our lives...from the deepest sorrows to the special every day moments in life. He is always faithful...and His grace is always sufficient...always. Thank you, Camille, for sharing both about your pastor's recent sermon and the quote from J.C. Ryle. Both are encouraging.

Lois said...

Camille,
It has been two months since I visited your blog. It is so full of joy and encouragement as I read all your previous posts. The photos are stunning, your spiritual insight refreshing, your memories of Austin still raw. I need the reminder of how imminent our Lord's return is, in light of all the horrible events in our world. I hereby resolve that instead of reading the news events, I will instead log on to Flowers in His Garden!!!! Even though we don't know each other, I am blessed by the fellowship you offer on this blog to other women who are loving their husbands and children and growing continually in their walk with Christ.

Camille said...

Dear Dianna ~ SO glad you were encouraged. I know I was! How wonderful our Great God is! Hugs to you. :)

Dear Lois ~ How lovely it is to hear from you my friend. LOL...read this blog instead of the news? I am so glad you find encouragement here. You are always a blessing to my heart. :)

With Love,
Camille

David C Brown said...

Thank you for the word: the Lord is in control.

Intentional Living Homestead said...

Thank you for sharing this...AMEN!!!

Camille said...

Thank you for your visit, David. Yes, indeed...the Lord is in complete control. SO thankful for that! :)

Oh, Connie...how precious HE is!! Hugs to you, my friend. :)

Many Blessings,
Camille