TOILING -- BUT NOT ALONE

Remember the incident where Jesus was up in a mountain praying while the disciples were crossing the lake and a storm blew up? The wind was contrary and the uncontrollable waves were tossing their boat around like a child's toy. They were toiling and struggling to keep their small craft upright in the angry sea. They didn't know it, but hidden from sight on that mountainside they had just left, Jesus was watching them as they toiled. His eyes never left them. And when they could no longer make it on their own, He came walking to them on the water.


What a picture of you and me today! How often do we face the storms of daily life and it seems that our problems and troubles are more than we can handle? Discouragement and depression set in as we wonder which way to turn and what to do. In vain we try to straighten out our circum- stances in our own way, wondering if we're going to be able to make it.


But we're not struggling alone -- Christ watches our unsuccessful toiling; and when He sees us almost ready to sink in despair, He comes "walking on the waves," saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matt. 14:27b - KJV)


Then we wonder why He didn't step in sooner. Could it be because we were trying to resolve our situation in our own strength instead of turning to Him? We try this; we try that; we try the other. But do we ever think to pray FIRST, thereby putting Him first and giving Him priority?

I like the Living Bible paraphrase of II Chronicles 16:9 that assures us, "The eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them." In other words, He's looking for you and me on a continual basis so that He can show His great power by helping us.

Remember, we're never toiling alone. His eyes never leave us!

Preacher's Kid