Stepping Over the Side

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.  On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us…” 2 Co. 1:10-11.

I write with such a heavy heart this morning as a dear family whom I love in my community was hit with a capsizing diagnosis on the sea of life.  This is near and dear to my heart as it reminds me of the day when we didn’t see our own storm coming. 

We all navigate through life fixing our eyes on the horizon and the destination.  The sea is calm and we take for granted the scenery as we smoothly glide past the simple and beautiful moments in our lives.  Then one day, we get that phone call, we are called into that office, spouses do not come home, our worst fear is realized…the boat bounces on the fearful circumstances and we can hardly stand against the winds that have blown in.

Well not this family for they have been calling on the Master their entire lives.  With this storm, they hold hands and together step over the side of the boat, focusing their attention on Him.  They recall times in the past when God has delivered them from other storms.  Their eyes look upward to Him but their knees go downward, and they faithfully look towards the future realizing that the God who has saved is still the God who will save.   They stand shoulder to shoulder in the Body and will receive the comfort for which God will send.  They will not allow fear to steer their course but will maneuver their journey with Deuteronomy 31:6 as their helm, with God being their Helmsman.

‘Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’

I would like for everyone to please lift this family in daily prayer and may we pattern our lives with the other strong Christians like this family who have gone before us.

Faith looks backwards in remembrance,
Faith looks upward in circumstances,
Faith looks forward in hope.