Being on a ship during a storm at sea can be a scary place. Wind whips the waves into a frenzy and the vessel rides each wave before settling into the water again. This repeats in an endless loop, the wood creaking with every rise and fall of the ship. I wonder which will break first – the sun through the clouds or the ship.
This week, life has been a storm for me. Resolution to one uncertainty opened up a myriad of other questions. Each time a new threat appeared, I worried, I prayed, then worried some more. My worry reminded me that my trust in God could be stronger. Though not everything is tied up in a pretty little bow, I am satisfied that I will not sink.
I’m not the only one who lets fear rule at times. The disciples felt certain they would drown in a storm- even with Jesus on the boat. Fear is such a part of our human nature that, although Jesus himself was right there with them, they still had doubts as to whether they would survive. Jesus calmed the storm and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:35-41)
I’ve had this passage in my mind this week. I know troubles are a part of this life, and I know God hasn’t left me to go it alone. I just need to release my white-knuckled grip on my idea of the future and allow faith to overcome fear.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
JannaTWrites 
Not every storm safely escorts our ship to shore . . . sometimes we capsize or sink. Nevertheless, though ships are safe in harbor, that’s not what ships are for.
Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.
I guess we look at this a little differently, Nancy. I think we can get battered to the point of nearly sinking, but we do come through with the learning scars to show for it. Nevertheless, torpedoes do hurt…badly 🙂
Recently read: “if you don’t think all things work for good in the end… then you’re not at the end.”
Sometimes it feels like the storm has beaten us, But if you’re not at the end, the sun will shine again.
And if we learn anything from our devastating experiences, the future will hold fewer storms.
All the best to you, if you’ve been through a storm and are still assessing the damage!
I like that quote, and your encouraging words.
This post reminds me of one I recently wrote, but more specifically regarding Peter walking on the water…until he saw the waves. Hopefully these posts could be mutually encouraging. http://everwonderaboutgod.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/why-peter-fell/
Thanks, Ever. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your link. I’ll check it out this evening 🙂
I just read this quote this morning right before your post came through “I feel we are all islands, floating in a common sea” Ann Morrow Lindbergh from acommonsea.wordpress.com
Your time of uncertainty will pass.
I pray everyday before and after work to know there are things I have no control over. I forgot that on Friday and had a melt down. I need to reset. There are many events coming up in the next month that will challenge me again. I will continue to pray.
Yes, like fog, uncertainty does pass. I like that quote, as well. A prayer routine does help bring about a calmness and strength to face the challenges. I’ll be praying for you also, Patty.
So well expressed Janna… I hope your storm subsides soon. In the meantime, praying you’ll know some peaceful moments in the midst of the fear… and that you’ll keep drawing closer to the One who has the power to turn things around, and the ability to comfort us with His love during these times.
Thanks for the prayers, Godgirl. I’d sailed in calm waters for a while, do i guess it was time to experience some turmoil 🙂
God warned us that there would be troubles but also promises that he is walking with us through our darkest moments…and when we can no longer walk he will carry us. We just finished a 7 part series on Psalm 23…if you need a little extra encouragement go to http://www.newhopechurch.tv and check out the archived services for the Series “Remedy”. I will keep you in my prayers…believing God can use whatever this is for good.
Thanks for the link, Jeanne. I’ll definitely check it out tonight. I know that good will come of this. The struggle is a year and a half old, so I’m ready for new problems 🙂
White-knuckled grip on my idea of the future… I’ve been there before. How aptly put, Janna. I can grab hold of plan B with as much gusto as plan A. God’s plan is always best, if only we could trust Him while not knowing what His plan is. Looking back we know it’s true, but looking forward, we have our doubts. I’m glad He holds to His plan anyway so that we may be fully blessed. May the storm clouds clear for you soon.
I’m glad you can relate to this, Carol. It is comforting to know that others cling to our own plan at times as well. I’m glad God keeps his original plan, too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and offering your words of encouragement.
It must be in our nature to fear the unknown, why else would it have been addressed so many times in the scriptures? Keep asking, seeking, knocking–your answer will come, and it’s going to be amazing.
Thanks for your support, Patti. I appreciate it 🙂
Some times it is hard to remember that Jesus is in the boat with us, but in faith, in Jesus, our storms are always calmed under His reassurance. Thanks for sharing Janna and for allowing faith to overcome fear. A blessing to read.
It’s a daily struggle not to let fear consume me, and to keep faith that God will see me through. Thanks for your support, Tahlitha….I appreciate it 🙂
A great deal of worry is counterproductive – but hard to stop. It’s human.
Fear, keep you alive in some situations, and can sharpen senses – or totally freeze you.
MAybe He was saying, (in modern terms) yeah, it’s frightening, but buckle down and keep going – work through it – use the emotion – don’t let it use you. Hang in there. He believes in you and your abilities. Remember you won’t be tested past your abilities and endurance – that was a promise given.
Well, I know that in some way, I will be changed as a result of making it through these challenges, but it doesn’t make it any easier to endure. I like this: ‘use the emotion – don’t let it use you.’ Thanks for your thoughtful, encouraging comment, Phil. I do appreciate it 🙂
So true about not making it easier. (and sometimes the cheeriness is flat annoying). Things will change. Hang in there until then. ( and walks outside are always good…I know, my answer to everything….)
Thanks, Phil. Walks are a good idea…I’ll see if I can motivate myself to go when the sun’s not out so it will be bearable 🙂