During a routine morning of shower, hot tea, morning news, hair, and makeup, a call came delivering news that Mom had suffered a stroke. Paralyzed by a tidal wave of fear and desperation I had never felt before, I needed help. This was a life-hangs-in-the-balance moment, a please-God-help-mom prayer, and a Sea-of-Galilee event.
Mark records his Sea-of-Galilee incident and tells how the disciples once found themselves in a similar moment. Life takes unexpected turns and is indiscriminate. No one is immune. And as those tumultuous waves wash over us—and we’re on the verge of drowning in fear and panic—God hears our prayers, and a lifeguard emerges.
Glancing back, I see the Lifeguard in my brother’s timely arrival to find Mom and call for help, EMTs arriving to provide care, a collaborative team of doctors and occupational therapists, and the needed love of family and dear friends offering prayers and support. Who is this? This is a God leaving nothing to chance, guiding the boat, calming the storm, staying by my side, and commanding stillness.
I’ve heard the saying, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle,” but I think maybe He does. Clearly, I was emotionally and mentally useless. And in an up-close-and-personal way, He answered my prayers for help, displayed His authority, and demonstrated His power and love.
In our weakness, God is strong. It’s an empowering revelation to understand we don’t have to do life alone. The God who “even the wind and the waves obey” loves us. Let Him still your storm.
Suzie Smith is a Christ follower, wife, mother, grandmother, retired educator, and sports fan. She lives with her husband, Chris, in Bixby, Oklahoma, and attends Crossroads Fellowship Church. Her goal is to continue to grow and serve in this newfound freedom of retirement and share experiences with those she loves. You can find her blogging at Reflections of Hope: Experiencing God’s Goodness.