This is a Test

May 17, 2019 / pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

A faith test is one of those tests I really want to pass but don’t so much like to prepare for. I far prefer floating quietly on my back in the pool on sunny days; to long sleepless nights when recovering from surgery. But on those painful nights when I am crying out to God and desperately need His help I find a faith that sees in darkness the joy of restoration and trust. I hate those storms while they are rocking my boat but I love the assurance I have found. Jesus is my anchor and He will keep me safe to me to the end!

Winning Over Anxiety

May 7, 2019May 7, 2019 / pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

I confess that in spite of my faith and many decades of experience that my biggest battle has been against anxiety. But I give thanks – though not at all for the stress – that during my lowest points I have put down my roots the deepest into my relationship with Jesus. I readily identify with Peter stepping out of the boat onto the waves. It seems that getting closer to Jesus always involves facing the storm. He is close by but to walk by His side requires trusting in practical terms His care in what appears to be impossible circumstance.

I have found that the secret is not just knowing about trusting Him at those moments but to truly and totally trust in His care. That is when His hand takes hold of mine and together we walk over the wave tops and back into the boat! Maybe that is why it was Peter who gives us the promise that in the very middle of our battle we can know the most that God really cares for us.