Storms

Our pastor today preached on storms...why they come, how to deal with them, and where God is when they are happening. I've chewed on a few ideas he presented and wanted to write them down so I don't forget.

1. Even if we can't see God in the storm, He is there. Even though in the middle of the storm, we want to crawl for cover and hide, that is the time we should be crying out to God. When the storm raged outside the boat Jesus was sleeping in, the disciples called out to Him for help. He was WITH them in the storm. Then He calmed the storm. Sometimes all God is waiting for is for us to ask for help.

2. God doesn't condemn us for the doubt we have during the storm. When Simon Peter walked with Jesus on the water and then started to sink, God didn't chastise him for his moment of fear. He didn't let Simon Peter sink. He didn't wait for him to bob up and down five times before rescuing him. He simply encouraged his faith. God doesn't want us to get bogged down in the doubt or fear, He wants us to use it to draw closer to Him.

3. During the storms, there is always someone else in your boat. There wasn't just one disciple in the boat during the storm. It was full of folks in the storm together. God wants us to rely on each other for encouragement during the tough times.

4. If we are believers, we have to remember that God knows exactly how much we can handle. He knows us better than we know ourselves. If I really, really believe God is who He says He is then I should know that God is in complete control. He will give me what I need, when I need it. No storm is bigger than God.

Lord, help me remember to lean on You, to trust You in everything and believe without doubt. And if I slip, I thank you for Your mercy that You will encourage me instead of chastising me. Thank You for loving me.

The Way He Works

All I can say is "Wow". The way He works always astounds me. I know I've written about my new job before but I just had to again.

When I was praying for a job, I had a list of criteria. It was pretty specific. The main thing was that it be a Christian environment for myself and my son. In my mind, there was a Christian school that I thought would be perfect. I still think it's an awesome school, just not the one God was sending us to. The school we joined is not Christian in nature, but the people there definitely are. I have never been welcomed so wholeheartedly. Meeting parents whose first inclination is not to shake you hand, but to hug you. Staff members whom you've only spoken to a handful of times, grab you up and ask how your first day was. I walked in the door feeling like this place was full of family.

God had the plan all along. It wasn't where I thought He was leading us, but boy am I glad He did. I know there will be challenges here, just like anywhere else but we are off to a great start. I am amazed at the way He works.

Thank you Father for showing me your love...in more ways than one.