Today’s Daily Bread ~ Mistakes and Storms

Matthew 14:24-25 – Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water. 

I was up early this morning, writing, when I heard a familiar cry, “Mommy!  Mommy!” It was the small voice of my frightened son. 

I ran upstairs to calm him down, stroking his back and smoothing his hair.  “Mommy’s here, sweetheart.  I’m here, and I love you.”  “I’m scared,” he replied.

“Honey, did you have a bad dream?”

“I need the good dreams prayer, Mommy,” he mumbled, already falling back asleep.  So I said our “good dreams prayer” and stayed a few more minutes, listening as his breathing slowed down to a sleepy rhythm.

I came back downstairs to my office (aka, dining room), and thought about how many times I’ve prayed fervently over my children, petitioning God to protect them.  I pray that He would give them salvation and a calling, that they might ruthlessly seek and joyfully serve Him all the days of their lives.  Oh, that they wouldn’t make my mistakes.  Oh, that the storms of this life might miss them.

Of course, that last part is in vain.  They will certainly make mistakes, and they will certainly hit storms.

Luke 7:47 – “I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love.  But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

 Would I love the Lord as I do had I not received oceans of grace and forgiveness?  Maybe.  But not a day goes by that I don’t marvel at the fact that a perfect, sinless, majestic, holy God looks on me with love.  Me, with all my stains and sins.  He loves me anyway.  He calls me anyway.  He uses me anyway. 

John 16:33 – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I would do anything to protect my children from hurts and heartbreak.  But those are the very things that have drawn me closer to God.  I remember my drive down to Texas, moving from Kansas City because of a failed relationship.  I remember sobbing like I’d never sobbed before, knowing I was doing the right thing, but feeling my heart break in two all the same.  I also remember hearing God’s voice as I drove across the state line, from Texas to Oklahoma.  The sign bore the cheery flag, and greeted me with a warm, “Welcome to Texas!”  Right then I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, “You’re home.  I will make all things new – even your heart.”  And He did.

We fear the storms.  We avoid them with all of our strength.  But it’s in the storm that God meets us face to face – even if He has to walk on water to reach us.  It’s in the storms of life that we experience His protection – even if He has to part the sea to draw us to Himself.  It’s in the storms where we experience His miracles.

Matthew 14:28-29 – Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water.”  “Alright, come,” Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.”

Our tendency as parents can be to swoop in and rescue our children, protecting them from both mistakes and consequences.  And sometimes, as good parents, we need to.  Other times we certainly don’t; evening runs to Target for supplies because their project is due the next day.  Letting them retake tests simply because they didn’t study the first time.  Allowing them to stay on the team when their grades slip.  All well intentioned.  All protecting them from learning.

Without mistakes we can never experience the full measure of God’s grace.  Without storms we can never experience the fullness of His healing power.  What a tragedy, to go through life never needing Him.

Matthew 14:33 – Then the disciples worshiped Him.  “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You today in awe of You.  You tell us through Jesus that storms will come.  Let us feel Your hand through the storm.  Like Peter, enable us to walk above it, knowing that if we keep our eyes firmly fixed on You we won’t sink.  When we make mistakes, let us be quick to turn and repent.  Let us experience the full measure of Your mercy, grace, forgiveness and love, and fall at Your feet in gratitude.  Let us know Your healing power.  Just “wow!” us, God, let us never take You for granted.  Protect our children from harm and sickness, Lord.  Protect us from the urge to over-parent.  When they make mistakes, may they experience Your grace through us.  Love them through us, Lord.  Let them see and experience Christ in us and through us.  Help us to plant the seeds of Your Word in their hearts, and let us live to see You reap the harvest.  How we love You. Help us to love You more.  Help us to trust You more.  We pray these things in confidence, knowing that we are praying in Your will, and in the name of Your blessed, holy, perfect Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.