I live in the beautiful state of Minnesota, and one of my favorite places here is on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I can sit on the rocky coastline and listen to and watch the peaceful waves as they roll in. So soothing to my mind and spirit and in stark contrast to the rush hour pace of life back in the city. But there are other times where the winds and waves are stormy. Just last October 2018 there were strong winds and spectacular waves crashing into the shoreline. I did not have time to venture North for the 3 hour drive to see this example of nature on display, but the news and social media shared many pictures like the one on the right-> My fascination with waves is ironic since I don't like the waves in my life. Of course the waves in my life are a ripple in my kiddy pool existence compared to others, but still they are real, and they affect me. The answer of course is Jesus who calmed the literal stormy seas with three words "Peace be Still". There was the other time when Jesus walked to his disciples on the sea, and Peter following Jesus instructions stepped out of the boat on to the waves defying physics and walked on the water too, UNTIL he put his focus on the very real real waves instead of Jesus who both walks on the waves and calms the storms. So I need to remember any financial, family, or health crisis I may face is not greater than our Jesus who calms the literal and figurative seas. Even when the waves are from our own mistakes, Jesus is still the answer. Impossible situations do not exist for the creator of all things and master of the seas. Jesus does not look at any circumstance and think .. "Hmm, this one is going to be a challenge." Personally, I am an alcoholic (sober now for about 5 years) but there were about 15 years where drink compromised my life. I thank God for grabbing my hand while I was sinking like Peter into my stormy sea. From here I found God's Grace, and a path for restoration. That's just one piece of my story, but I know everyone has their own story filled with ups and downs and waves. Some waves we are to enjoy as part of God's creation like the peaceful waves rolling in on the North Shore of Lake Superior, while other waves we need the master of the waves close by. In these stormy waves, and when you feel you are sinking know God is with you. Be prayerful, dillegent in your obedience to God, and focused on Jesus knowing He is your safety in all circumstances. My prayer today is God bless and use each of you to find peace even out on the waves. Jeff (water wings) Larson |
AuthorThe mutterings on life and faith by cartoonist Jeff Larson Archives
September 2024
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Back Pew - Draw Close to God
My Book- 116 pages of cartoons of 'Clean Humor & God's Truth' CRITICS ARE SAYING.
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LAUGHTER is just a click away
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3/5/2019
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