Dear friends,
As we begin a new month, I wonder how you think this month will unfold? Perhaps you have plans for a break, a weekend away, maybe there’s a birthday or family gathering?
What about today? What’s on the agenda?
Sometimes unexpected situations appear on the horizon to interrupt any plans we may have, or sometimes life just takes a different turn. Illness, a new diagnosis, extra responsibilities, or taking on a more stressful role – all can threaten to overwhelm.
In the gospels we are given a picture of that sense of being overwhelmed, but also an antidote.
Luke tells us that Jesus and his disciples are in a boat travelling from one side of the water to the other. Jesus fell asleep in the back of the boat as they crossed. An unexpected wind whipped up, becoming a windstorm on the sea. The waves grew up, and as much as the disciples worked to keep afloat, the storm and the waves threatened to overwhelm them.
It was only then that they turned to Jesus, waking him up, calling him, asking for help.
It was only then that they focussed on him. Jesus woke and immediately called on the wind and waves to cease, and there was a sense of calm.
The good news is that Jesus was in the boat with them. His presence already there, on their side, ready to help. They only needed to look to him, to focus on him and not the storm, and they learned that Jesus was Lord even over the storm.
The unexpected situation we find ourselves in may be the one extra thing that threatens to overwhelm but we can learn from this. To remember that Jesus is in the boat with us, in our situations and that He is Lord, even over those things that threaten to overwhelm. He loves us and is on our side.
Turn to him because he cares for you.
Your friend and minister,
Cath
