“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31 NIV
Today I am….anxiously anchored.
This is the first distribution day this year for our backpack giveaway to the students in our city and county schools. Pam always starts the year with a lot more faith than I do. Each year we have seen people give of their money and time at just the right moments to make the events a success.
I admit that I look at the wind and the waves like Peter. Where will the money come from? What if we can’t find enough supplies? Who is gonna do all of the shopping? What if too many children come and we didn’t have the right amount of supplies? Will there be enough volunteers? Did I remember to pack all of the literature? What if it is not perfect?
Well that last line slipped out before I could stop it. It reveals some of my desire to be in control. Who am I to even think that I know what perfect looks like? Striving for excellence is not the same as wanting it to be perfect. We want the children to have a quality backpack and a warm friendly experience with their parents during the distributions. We offer prayers over the children and for the parents. We can do these in an excellent way that makes sure our volunteers are prepared. Trying to control all aspects shows lack of faith, or in Peter’s case doubting.
I shared a little of my anxiousness. What “anchors” me in the middle of the waves? God’s character and His promises.
This first anchor begins when Pam and I start the day with the simple expression, “this is the day the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24 . It sounds simple, like a nursery rhyme or a bumper sticker. But for us, we realize at the start of the day…it is God’s day. He made it. He has plans for it. And we place our trust that God will work throughout the day for His purposes…not mine or ours. We are alive today, because God wants to accomplish His purposes in and through us.
The second anchor is based in the character of God…He is always good. The apostle John wrote that the “fathers are blessed, because they have known Him who is from the beginning.” My take away from this verse is the old men have lived a lifetime seeing the goodness of God displayed over and in their lives. They are comfortable with the thought that God will work out all things for good for those who love Him. His goodness remains an anchor in each and every storm of our lives.
Since I am a pastor, I have to have three points, but I will spare you the poem for this time. Lastly, I am thankful for the Holy Spirit’s witness in my life. When I pause to pray He hears and answers. He is talking a lot more than I am pausing to listen, but He answers. He also brings a settling peace with His presence. He offers the same peace that Jesus experienced during the storms. Yep, things got very rough around Jesus, but His peace was from heaven and not from earthly chaos.
Which brings me back to my reflection for today…anxiously anchored. I am asking that I work in concert with the measure of faith that God has given. I will be diligent to work the plan. AND I will look forward to watching God be faithful once again. Thank you God for all of the volunteers and supplies to bless our children with first day school supplies.
Do you have some anxiousness today? I would love to know how you get anchored in your faith with Jesus. Peter cried out for Jesus to save him. True to form, Jesus reaches out His hand. May you feel HIm set you on a rock, a firm foundation. He is always close to those anxious people who are about to call out for help. Today, that might be you.
Blessings Love y’all