“If He’s Lord of the storm, then no matter what shape the world is in – or your life is in – you will find Jesus provides all the healing, all the rest, all the power you could possible want.”

From King’s Cross by Timothy Keller

I want this to mean I’ll never be afraid; I’ll never be weak or weary in well doing. So, when I feel myself getting deeply tired I try to buoy myself up.

But this weakness and weariness itself, the upset of change, of uncertainty, of not knowing what to do, of making mistakes is a gateway to learning.

Rebekah Lyons book on Resilience was just what I needed to help me understand what resilience is and what it is not. I was feeling bad that I was not bouncing back from grief and loss like I hoped, like I expected. After nearly five years, I was still keenly aware that I was not who I was before. Now, I missed me. And then it hit me that it was not God’s goal for me to be what I was before. He’s transforming me into the image of Christ.

This weakness and weariness is the place of blessing, the place of trust and dependence. Without it I would never get there. And yet I fight the place of blessing – the very blessings I have asked for! Only He could love me through this and use me in the midst of it. ^(8-20-26)

When Jesus came to them walking on the water, He asked them why they were afraid. It seemed obvious to them, but He wanted them to see Him. We’re afraid because the storm is bigger than we are. We cannot control it or survive it by ourselves.

Then they asked themselves, Who is this that even the winds and waves obey Him? Great question to help us process who He is and get us to the place where our fear is no longer in control.

A few weeks ago, my pastor said your anchor is set where the storm cannot reach. Another great thing to remember so that your fear takes its proper place – not the place of control.

Take courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid. Matt. 14:27

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Deut. 31:24

Waiting is hard for most of us. But God is telling me not to wish this time away. He’s accomplishing things in the wait in me, for me, and through me and in others around me.

And here’s an Amazing Grace thing: Waiting is a mutual thing in our relationship with God. See Judges 6:18. And when I think about it, He has spent more time waiting on me than I have spent waiting on Him!!