Wednesday After Epiphany

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:39 pm Post subject: Wednesday After Epiphany

God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:16-17)

Some would say that we do not need God to care for one another, we can do what is right for others on our own volition; but what do we see happen to communities where God is absent? Do they stay the course of love? What is the guide for their moral purpose? What is the depth of their commitment to love? When trials and tribulations present themselves, what guides their way?

Others would say, look at what evil Christians do to one another. Look at how they ostracize those who are not like them. Look how they gossip amongst themselves. Look at how they judge, oppress and condemn one another. What good does their faith in God do them? If such are their ways, are they truly with God?

Without God, how easy it is to misunderstand the meaning of love. We may care for another because they are like us or they are pleasing to us in some way, but the love to which God calls us is for us to love all His children. If our hearts are hardened, we will judge, we will exclude, we will not extend ourselves, we will not try to understand, and we will open the door for conflict and hate. We cannot close the door to the children of God and also keep the door open to God.

Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, â€œTake courage, it is I, do not be afraid!â€ He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. (Mark 6:48-52)

The smallest raft can sail the largest sea when the water is calm, but when the storms rage, even the largest ship may be challenged to remain afloat. When the storms surge upon the seas of our life, upon what craft will we seek to sail? What confidence will we have in our ship of faith? Have we built it and maintained it to weather the storm? Will there be others who will us to help close the hatches and tend the sails when the waves seek to overwhelm us? What do we expect to be our fate as the winds blow and the waves grow? How long can we remain afloat in the battering storm without the power of the One who can calm the storm?

As we are tossed, do we believe there is One with such power? In our hour of need, will we call to Him and plead that He stills the wind and calm the seas? Is it only in the midst of the storm that we will seek the One who has the power to save or will He already be with us to comfort us; at the helm to steer our ship of faith through the roughest seas? Will we hear His voice when He speaks to us and says, â€œTake courage, it is I, do not be afraid!â€

In prayer, we may ask Him for the wisdom to know how to prepare for the coming storms. In prayer we may ask Him to stay with us and sail with us so that we need not be afraid. In prayer, we may ask Him to steer our ship of faith and keep us in smooth waters no matter how hard the winds may blow. If today we hear His voice, let us harden not our hearts.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier