An excerpt from Sunday's message: Matthew 14:22-32.
One thing about a drought…the sky is always blue. It’s in times like these that make me crave the rains. Sometimes they come in the form of storms…and in life, storms seem to be a constant…but so are the promises of the Father…to always love…always give…always be…never leaving or forsaking…even in the midst of the worst storms of life.
James reminds us that we must believe beyond a shadow of a doubt. Otherwise we become like the waves of the sea swept up in every wind that blows to and fro…and then we’re sunk…drowning in doubt and confusion as to why He never shows up…never…even when we need Him most.
What have I ever learned of consequence that didn’t come from struggle, that didn’t come from heartache…pain? Sometimes it seems like God always teaches me lessons the hard way...sometimes through the breaking process…my response - ”YES!”… sometimes through humiliation…”YES!”…sometimes to let me cry all night long…”YES!”…I hear Him in those moments calling me to “Come”, and that’s all my heart desires.
When I think about it, the only times God really stretches my faith, the only way He takes me to another level, the only way I grow up...grow strong...grow faithful is when he takes me through the valley of the shadow of death, And many times that valley is found a "mile from shore"...far out to sea…no safety net…just Jesus.
I'm ready to launch.