trust

Thread the Needle

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He quieted the sea with His power, and by His understanding He shattered Rahab. By His breath the heavens are cleared; His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent. . . Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him. Job 26: 12-14 NASB

The sunlight dancing on the ripples welcomed us aboard; and I did a mental check of our needs:  packed lunches, change of clothes, and life jackets. Did anyone know where they were stashed? My question got lost in summer’s last hoorah! the beauty and banter of friendship. 

We ate lunch and drifted with the water’s a cappella hymn-sing until we headed north, and a spark plug blew off. Our captain had another and tightened it best he could without proper tools. He managed the mishap and stress with cool expertise. The motor died several more times and the spark plug had to be fixed again; even so, we managed to make our dinner reservation. The amber sunset was stunning; and we lingered over coffee. We’d no idea what else was brewing!   

When we finally headed south, we saw two ominous storm clouds on the horizon. The captain and crew would have to “thread the needle” with care. My husband had been caught before in gales while fishing; so not much rattled his stoic stance. However, as the wind and cold rain began to whip us, and lightning flashed with fury, his eyes darted back and forth with concern. 

My girlfriends and I took refuge in the small cabin; and I asked where the life jackets were kept. I was terrified of the deep; and Cayuga Lake was known to be more than four hundred feet of bottomless deep. But Jesus slept while a storm raged; His soul rested in His Father. One friend stood and propped her head against the closet door near the cabin’s entrance to get fresh air. I reminded myself to exhale. Then with rising confidence, I began to sing, “Peace like a River.” And the captain’s wife joined me.  

Sweet how we prayed for safety and sang with courage, trust, and confidence at the same time. When we invited Jesus into the boat, we soon reached the other side. His presence was enough! 

The Lord overcame the waves that wreaked havoc on our thoughts, gifted us with His heavenly perspective, and pierced the one who struck us with fear and doubt and deemed us unworthy.  Faith increased with clarity; we are held, loved, and protected by the Creator of the Universe.  

When we docked, I was surprised to see the nighttime sky was beautifully lit and still. Ponder, these are the fringe of God’s ways. Shout it from the rooftops, “Jesus sets the captives free.” He helped the timid stand and led the orphan home. Likewise, grace and mercy covered His people. 

We need Jesus. Receive Him today; and He will change our hearts and homes. 

They saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6: 19-21 NASB

Black and White

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I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.
My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
Revive me, O Lord, according your Your ordinances.
Psalm 119: 147-149 (NASB)

My husband and I were told that we were a bit overweight, and I sheepishly smirked. I wasn’t surprised. We had packed a family of four snowmen in our suitcase, along with a bag of sea shells and my favorite grapefruit butter. Our return trip home often generates a dilemma. What do we need to dump out?  This flight it was dried fruit and nuts and a beach towel and suntan lotion we wouldn’t need for a year.

I recalled how my grandson had awakened from a nap the previous week, and when I’d asked him about his sly grin, he’d replied, “Mima, I dreamed you were a cow.” I laughed because I hadn’t worked out in months, and I felt slow and cumbersome. Curious of the spin on his thoughts, I asked him about the color, and he didn’t miss a beat as he said, “Black and white.” From the mouth of a small child to a few airline workers came a reminder to unload the needless baggage and to chew on Truth.

While my grandson and I would imitate the sounds of the animals in the books we read, he didn’t know that I’d just contemplated that the meditation of God’s Word is much like a cow that chews his cud. The cow grinds the hay down and swallows, and then regurgitates and chews it again. The healthiest cows usually lie down and chew on their cud for hours at a time. Rest and relaxation is essential!

So, maybe it was okay to embrace my need to slow down and meditate on God’s timely Word and heal. I’d become discontented and disheartened during the past few months. I was hungry for intimacy with God, but He was silent and appeared distant and unmoved. I’d waited in expectation for I’d learned to trust Him. And through the sleepless nights and early morning prayers and reflections, God proved His faithfulness. He had been with me all the while.

A thankful heart is tethered to the Father.  I stood unshaken against the contrary wind and boarded the plane a little lighter. And that alone was a small miracle since I used to step up with sweat-clenched hands. I’d be hungry for my tossed snack later, but God produces fruit that endures- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is His timely work. With humility I bow to whatever God sets before me. He will lead me and fulfill His promises.

Consider what God is calling you to let go of and meditate on His life-preserving Truth. He is sufficient. He is the creator of the heavenly places, and there is beauty and rest and strength in His Holy presence.

Trusting in God and His intentions,

Lily Mae

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23NKJV