“And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, ‘it is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’
“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:22-30
“Each one of us must choose whether to live as if God exists, or as if he does not exist. When Umberto Eco sat high in the stadium under a noonday sun and looked down on a field of soccer players, he seized upon the most important question of his life – of any life. Is anyone watching? And the answer to that question rests squarely upon faith – by that and only that the just shall live.”*
I love this passage...imagine the scene. Some disciples may not have even been looking in the right direction. Some may have looked and not believed. Some may have focused on their fear of the waves. Some may have focused on watching what others would do. One threw a challenge to Jesus. One walked out to meet Him. Some watched the walker. No one followed. Perhaps some argued about what they were seeing. Some may have even mocked Peter for being foolish and laughed secretly inside when he began to sink because Peter, to them, seemed to always be a show off with his faith. Not one of them thought to help Jesus! Can you see yourself in this boat?
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?
For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS: For the world-wide economy and that people will remain calm and hopeful.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Galdor got a wonderful job! Kimberly is home with her parents now. Reg for his ministry and patience. Adrian is out of ICU, but still hospitalised. Please continue to pray for those who care for him. (Here is a text message from him today: “I am so grateful to our loving Father and the most wonderful medical team. I literally consider and feel overwhelmingly well. Thank you so much for the prayers and real love support expressed to me in these difficult days – blessings for you this day!”)
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Michael recovering from deep vein thrombosis – a new life change for him (he’s offered to go visit Adrian for me too!). For Carlton’s recovery from surgery. Gwen, a 13-year old with serious headaches. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Poetry and Gary, Annette’s friend Sue.
ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS: Jack’s family is grieving his loss. That Tim secures a disability pension now that he’s unable to manage with his coronary pulmonary artery disease. For Jen as she copes with her friend’s passing & for the hope of her future. For Susan in Bulgaria, struggling to provide for her husband and two children.
PRAY FOR THE WORLD: (Please do not get bored with this request). Those putting their lives together after the many natural disasters, especially for the volunteers and governments in: Japan, USA and New Zealand. For Middle Eastern nations dealing with unprecedented internal conflicts. For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time.
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Help for Cris. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children. For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: Paul needs work. That Tim might find satisfying work. Randy needs a new job in Canada or Australia. I need a new project to tackle for my work. Working on a new book and pursuing a new publisher in the UK for my other book!
*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey
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