Category Archives: Trust

Jan29

Who Are You Listening to?

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While He was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’”
— Matthew 17:5

Hearing God in a Noisy World

Every day, we’re bombarded with voices—news, social media, podcasts, opinions of friends and family, even our own thoughts pulling us in different directions. It can be overwhelming and confusing, making it hard to know what’s true and what really matters. But in the middle of all the noise, there is one voice that stands above the rest—Jesus.

In the Bible, there’s a moment when God Himself speaks directly to His followers and gives a simple but powerful command: “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5). This happened when Jesus took three of His disciples up on a mountain, and they saw something incredible—Jesus’ appearance changed, glowing with heavenly light, and two great figures from history, Moses and Elijah, appeared with Him. As the disciples stood in awe, a bright cloud covered them, and God’s voice spoke, making it clear that above all the voices in the world, they needed to listen to Jesus. And the same is true for us today.

The disciples were totally overwhelmed at the transfiguration. They were terrified, but Jesus walked right up, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:7) Isn’t that what He does for us? In our fear and uncertainty, He reassures us with His presence and love.

Let’s be honest—there are so many voices fighting for our attention every day. It’s exhausting, right? But Jesus’ voice is different. His words silence the noise. They bring clarity when we’re confused, hope when we’re struggling, and truth when we don’t know what to believe.

Jesus speaks to us in so many ways—through the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, or even a conversation with someone who loves Him. But how often do we actually stop and listen? Listening takes effort. It means slowing down, tuning out distractions, and being willing to act on what we hear.

When we really listen to Jesus, amazing things happen:

  • We find peace. In a world that’s full of chaos and noise, His voice calms us. Think about when He says, “Don’t be afraid.” It’s like a deep cleansing breath for your soul.
  • We get direction. Feeling lost? His Word lights the way. Psalm 119:105 says it perfectly: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • We gain strength. You know those days when you just feel drained? His promises remind us that His strength shows up when we’re at our weakest.

So, here’s something to think about: Whose voice are you really listening to right now? Is it Jesus’? Or are other voices crowding Him out?

Let’s make it a goal today to turn down the world’s noise and lean into what Jesus has to say. His words aren’t just helpful—they’re life-changing.

A Prayer for Today:
Jesus, I want to hear You above everything else. Help me quiet the distractions around me and make space to listen. Speak to me through Your Word, guide my choices, and give me the courage to follow You. Thank You for Your peace, direction, and strength. Help me to trust You and obey Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.

Related Verses:

  • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • Proverbs 4:20-22: “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
  • Matthew 7:24: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
  • Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Jan5

Fragile or Firm? Where Do You Place Your Trust?

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"His source of confidence is fragile, what he trusts in is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it doesn't stand firm. He grabs it, but it does not hold up." Job 8:14 - 15

The intricate designs of spider webs have always fascinated me. The delicate strands, weaving in and out, create patterns of surprising complexity and beauty. Yet, for all their beauty, spider webs are fragile. The slightest touch can tear them apart.

I’ve watched a spider quickly repair its web after something damaged it. With focused determination, it weaves new threads, trying to restore what was broken. It’s amazing to watch – but it also reminds me of how we often try to do the same thing in life. We work tirelessly to patch up fragile things we’ve placed our trust in – whether it’s material possessions, relationships, our career, or our own strength. But no matter how hard we try, if our foundation isn’t secure in God, those things will inevitably fail.

The passage from Job 8: 14 – 15 compares misplaced trust to a spider’s web. When we put our hope in earthly things, our confidence is as delicate as those strands in the web. It may looks secure, but it cannot bear the weight of life’s storms. We may lean on things we think will support us – our own wisdom, other people, or material comforts – but when trouble comes, they crumble.

But the good news is that God offers us a foundation that will never fail. Unlike the fleeting security of a spider’s web — or our own strength –, God’s promises are unshakable. When we place our hope in Him, we find lasting peace and stability, no matter what hardships may come.

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been trusting in something fragile? We don’t realize how fragile these things are until they’re tested by life’s storms. But scripture reminds us that God is a firm foundation we can trust completely. Isaiah 26: 3 – 4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” When we place our hope in Him, we find peace, stability, and strength that will always stand firm.

If you’re wondering where to place your hope and trust, let God’s Word be your guide. Here are some other scriptures to remind you that God is our unshakable foundation, our refuge, and our strength in every season:

  • Psalm 18: 2 — “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
  • Matthew 7: 24 – 25 — ” Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
  • Jeremiah 17: 7 – 8 — “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
  • Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

A Prayer for Today

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being our unshakeable foundation. Forgive us for times when we place our trust in fragile things - our own abilities, possessions or human strength. Help us to lean on you completely, knowing that You alone can support us through lifes' storms. When we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, remind us that Your promises never fail. May we cling to You, our Rock and Refuge, with unwavering faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Jan1

Masterpiece in Progress: God’s Hand at Work in Your Life

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The Masterpiece of Your Life: God’s Handiwork

As we step into the new year, it’s easy to think of it as a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting to be filled. But what if we imagined that the new year is not a blank slate at all, but rather a new layer being added to a masterpiece that God has been painting throughout our entire lives? Every day, every moment, and every year is a stroke of His brush, contributing to the richness, depth, and beauty of the story He is telling.

In the hands of the Master Artist, our lives are not random or disconnected moments. Each year, He adds additional brushstrokes—sometimes thick, sometimes thin, sometimes bold, and occasionally subtle—that build upon the layer before it. The beauty of an oil painting is that each layer is integral to the final work. Without the depth, texture, and complexity added over time, the painting would lack the fullness that makes it truly stunning.

Layers of Growth and Transformation

Just as an artist adds layer after layer to a painting, God has been adding layer upon layer to our lives. Some layers are made of moments of joy and celebration, where the light shines brightly, and the colors are vivid and bold. Other layers come in moments of pain or difficulty, where the brushstrokes are deeper and more muted but still necessary to create depth and dimension.

In each year, God paints with purpose. Sometimes, we might not see the beauty of a layer until much later, as it blends with the ones before it. But as we look back on the years of our lives, we can see how each layer has contributed to the masterpiece that God is creating—layer by layer, year by year.

Trusting the Master Artist

Like an oil painting, the process is slow and steady. God isn’t rushing through our lives to finish the painting. He knows that every stroke, every moment, is essential to the final result. We may look at certain years and wonder why they were filled with trials or challenges, but those are the very layers that add depth, texture, and richness to the final masterpiece.

In the same way that an artist steps back to admire their work and evaluate each layer, God sees the fullness of the painting He is creating in our lives. He knows what the final picture will look like—each year is just a portion of the whole, and He is working in ways we cannot always understand. But we can trust that every layer is part of His perfect design.

Every Layer Counts

It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that certain years were “better” than others or that some moments were more significant. But in God’s hands, every year—whether it’s filled with moments of brightness or moments of darkness—is necessary for the painting. The beauty comes in the way He uses each year to add to the larger picture.

As we look ahead to this new year, let’s remember that it’s not just a single, isolated moment in time. It’s part of the bigger picture God is creating in our lives. And each layer He adds is rich with purpose, depth, and meaning. We may not yet see how it all fits together, but the Master Artist knows exactly what He is doing.

Embracing the Masterpiece

So, as you enter this new year, don’t view it as a blank canvas. See it as the next layer in the beautiful, ongoing masterpiece God is painting in your life. Each moment is an essential brushstroke, and with each passing year, He is bringing more extraordinary beauty, richness, and depth to your story. Trust in the process, knowing that every stroke—whether joyful or challenging—is part of the more excellent work He is creating.

And when the final painting is revealed, we will see the masterpiece that God has been crafting all along—a beautiful work of art that tells the story of His faithfulness, love, and perfect design.

A Prayer for Today

Dear Lord, As we enter this new year, help us trust You as the Master Artist of our lives. Thank You for the layers You’ve already added to our story, shaping us with love and purpose. Help us confidently face whatever the year ahead brings, knowing that You are right by our side. Thank You for this reminder that You are always at work in our lives and that Your plan is perfect. May this year bring glory to You as You continue to shape us into the people You’ve called us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Verses

Psalm 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Isaiah 64:8 – “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Nov28

God’s Will for You: Giving Thanks in All Circumstances

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“For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

What is God’s will for your life? Scripture makes it clear: give thanks in all circumstances. This is His will for you—whether life is good or difficult.

It’s easy to be thankful when life is flowing smoothly and when blessings are abundant. A grateful heart comes naturally when things are going well. But what about when life is hard? When we face hardship, heartbreak, loss, or suffering, God’s will for us remains the same—to continually give thanks. It may feel counterintuitive, but even in our darkest moments, His call is for us to give thanks because He is always with us in the storm.

By giving thanks, even in pain, we invite God’s presence into our circumstances. Psalm 22:3 reminds us, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” When we praise Him, especially in our hardest times, we make room for His power and comfort to fill our hearts.

Remember, just because something difficult happens doesn’t mean it’s God’s will. We live in a broken world, and bad things happen that aren’t directly caused by God. But as believers, we hold onto Romans 8:28, which assures us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God doesn’t cause the bad, but He can use even the worst situations for our good.

In times of trial, we can trust that He is with us, working behind the scenes, even when we don’t understand how.

No matter what you’re facing today—whether it’s a long-awaited breakthrough or a sudden storm—choosing to give thanks, even in the midst of it all, becomes a declaration that God is sovereign, that He is good, and that His love and faithfulness will carry us through.

We can always choose to thank God, trusting that His goodness will sustain us.

A Prayer for Today:

"Dear Lord, Remind us of Your constant presence and faithfulness, no matter what we face in life. Teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting that You are working for our good. May our hearts be filled with praise, even in the storm, and may Your peace and comfort surround us. Thank You for Your love that never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Related Verses:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 4 - 5
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips." Psalm 34:1
Jul22

Tears in a Bottle

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 "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8 NLT)

God loves you so much and is attentive to every detail of your life. Not only does He know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), but He also cares so deeply about whatever painful circumstance you are going through that He collects your tears in a bottle and records each one in His book.

  • Your tears matter to God because YOU matter to God!

No other animal has the ability to shed emotional tears like humans, and I have often wondered what God was thinking when He decided to upgrade us with the capability of crying.

Recently I learned that our tears have different chemical makeups depending on the purpose behind the tears. For example, happy tears are chemically different from tears caused by heartbreak or grief. Similarly, tears caused by pain (like the ones a child cries when he skins his knee) are different than the ones we shed if we are slicing an onion or have an irritant in our eye.1

I found it even more fascinating that emotional tears have a high concentration of stress hormones, so our bodies are ridding themselves of toxins with each of those teardrops. Additionally, when we cry for an extended amount of time, our body releases extra “feel good” hormones – oxytocin and endorphins – that can help relieve both physical and emotional pain, allowing us to become more relaxed and providing us with a sense of comfort and calm, like a natural “painkiller.”

  • When the Creator of the universe hand-crafted humans, He equipped us with “release valves” for times when life becomes too overwhelming for us to hold it all inside.

Scripture also tells us, “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5 NIV) This verse gives me hope that all our sorrowful tears are like tiny seeds, and one day they will produce a harvest of joy.

  • Our suffering is never wasted. God can bring a harvest of good from even the worst circumstances. (Romans 8:28)

Although God never promised that life here on earth would be without pain, suffering, …and tears, He does promise that He will one day wipe away every tear from the eyes of His children. “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17 ESV)

In heaven, believers will find eternal peace and comfort with our Savior. There will be no more pain, no more sickness, no more heartbreak, no more grief, no more death, and no more tears…because we will no longer need them!

  • Our Heavenly Father will wipe the last of our tears from our eyes when we arrive in our glorious eternal home.

Dear friend, if you are experiencing a painful season in your life, God sees you and cares about each teardrop that falls from your eyes. Trust that God loves you and can use even the most heartbreaking circumstances to bring about something good for His children. “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17 ESV)

Related Verses:

"Since you are so much more precious to God than a thousand flocks of sparrows, and since God knows you in every detail—down to the number of hairs on your head at this moment—you can be secure and unafraid of any person, and you have nothing to fear from God either." (Luke 12:7 VOICE)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)
"Jesus wept." John 11:35 (NIV)
1https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-microscopic-structures-of-dried-human-tears-180947766/

Mar21

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

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God is the ultimate // S t o r m  W h i s p e r e r ! //

He’s still in The business of calming storms — even pandemic life storms. When you feel like your courage is melting in the face of these desperate circumstances, call on the One who can hush the towering waves of panic and turn them into peace. 🌊 🌊🙏🏻☝🏻✌🏻🙌🏼

“So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God brought them out safe from their desperate circumstances. God quieted the storm to a whisper; the sea’s waves were hushed. So they rejoiced because the waves had calmed down; then God led them to the harbor they were hoping for.”

Psalm 107: 28 – 30 (CEB)

Mar18

Choose Faith Over Fear

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Get vaccinated with a dose of Faith.

Read Psalm 91 aloud (below), and let the power of His words melt away your anxiety and fear. As you read the psalm, you can turn it into a powerful prayer to the Lord in behalf of you and your loved ones. God is greater than the hardships we face, and no problem is too great for God…not even COVID-19!

While He has us in a world-wide Holy Time-Out, you can replace panic with peace by spending time feasting on the soul food of His Good News, not the constant social feed of bad news.

God is teaching us to trust in HIM — Not the economy, not the stock market, not your job or your bank account.

Put your faith in the One who has overcome the world and rest in the shadow of His wings.

Choose Faith over Fear!

Psalm 91 ~

Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God
will be kept safe by the Mighty One.
 I will say about the Lord,
“He is my place of safety.
He is like a fort to me.
He is my God. I trust in him.”

He will certainly save you from hidden traps
    and from deadly sickness.
He will cover you with his wings.
Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety.
He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower.
You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night.
You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day.
You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness.
    You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon.
A thousand may fall dead at your side.
Ten thousand may fall near your right hand.
But no harm will come to you.
You will see with your own eyes
how God punishes sinful people.

Suppose you say, “The Lord is the one who keeps me safe.”
Suppose you let the Most High God be like a home to you.
 Then no harm will come to you.
No terrible plague will come near your tent.
The Lord will command his angels
to take good care of you.
They will lift you up in their hands.
Then you won’t trip over a stone.
You will walk on lions and cobras.
You will crush mighty lions and poisonous snakes.

The Lord says, “I will save the one who loves me.
I will keep him safe, because he trusts in me.
 He will call out to me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in times of trouble.
I will save him and honor him.
 I will give him a long and full life.
I will save him.”

 

 

 

Aug27

Adversity’s Astonishing Advantages

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“We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.”             2 Corinthians 1: 8 – 10 (MSG)

If you’re dealing with extreme adversity in your life right now, it’s difficult to imagine how such suffering could ultimately produce advantageous results. Yet in the midst of trials, you develop skills to do things you would never dream possible.  Also ~

  • You learn more and grow closer to God during your darkest moments than you ever would from your shining triumphs.

Paul didn’t give details about the hardships he faced in the scripture above. Yet it was so bad he and his companions didn’t think they were going to make it. (Perhaps you can relate?)  But he then describes this near-death experience as “the best thing that could have happened.” How can that be?!

  • When you’re forced to exercise your “Faith Muscle,” your faith becomes stronger than ever. The stronger it gets, the more God can do through you.

If you’re at your wits’ end and can’t help yourself, you’re forced to trust God completely, Too often, we rely on our own ingenuity or abilities to maneuver out of situations, but in dire situations, we learn to lean on God.

  • The best result of a seemingly hopeless situation is that you place your complete trust in the God who raises the dead! His strength is sufficient for any trial.

Do you face a seemingly hopeless situation today?  Place it in God’s capable hands and watch Him work wonders!

Related Verse:  Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 (NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Mar19

The Problem with Bubble-Wrapped Lives

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“When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence. And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God—who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty—and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him.” James 1: 2-5 (Phillips)

I’ll admit it. I wish I could bubble-wrap my sons to keep them free from injury, loss, rejection, failure, heartbreak, insults, or any other painful misfortune life might hurl in their direction. Especially now that my youngest son is driving, I dream about this possibility whenever he leaves the house with keys in hand!

But I recently read about a fascinating experiment in the Arizona desert where scientists attempted to create a perfect living environment for plants, animals, and humans under a protective biodome. This closed ecological system grew fruits, vegetables and trees and was sustained with purified water and air, nutrient-rich soil, and filtered light – a seemingly ideal habitat.

However, the perfect environment did not produce perfect results.

After a period of time, scientists noted a baffling phenomenon. After reaching a certain height, trees in the biosphere toppled over. This puzzled the scientists until they discovered a missing element in their biosphere. They forgot to include wind! Trees need wind to develop strong roots. When winds blow against trees, their root systems grow deeper, which support them as they grow taller.

We wish our lives could be lived in a virtual biosphere, free from the tensions and strains of outside influences. Yet, when daily challenges push against us, they are strengthening our “roots” and producing true patience and endurance, which will equip us for the journey ahead.

So if we bubble-wrap our kids, protecting them from all of life’s struggles, we are setting them up to topple over as adults. They will never develop deep roots of character, perseverance, and resiliency. Without trial-and-error learning, they won’t develop the problem solving skills they need as adults. And, most importantly, we risk losing the opportunity of teaching them to turn to God for help, which deepens their spiritual roots.

Remove the protective layer and allow their roots to grow deep so they will one day stand independently and tall!

“Happy is the person who can hold up under the trials of life…” James 1:12a

 

Mar21

Keep Your Eyes on God ~ not your difficulties

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Eyes on God

“Then Peter called to him: ‘Sir, if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water.’ ‘All right,’ the Lord said, ‘come along!’ So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted.”

Matthew 14:28 – 30 TLB

We may not walk on water, but we do walk through periods of tumultuous circumstances in life. If we focus on the swirling waves of difficulties surrounding us, we can easily feel like we are being swallowed up by the surge of life’s problems.

Peter experienced a rather unusual example of God’s power when he went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. His faith in Jesus gave him the courage to throw his leg over the side of the boat and step out into the stormy sea.  However, his faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. Once he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the crushing waves around him, he began to sink.

Like Peter, we often start out with great intentions. We may be “prayed up” and filled with holy confidence before we begin to face the day. But once we wade into the undulating sea of life, our faith begins to falter, and we sink in despair. We feel ill-equipped to navigate the storms that batter us. Yet this doesn’t mean that we have failed. When Peter’s faith faltered, he immediately reached out to Jesus. In his time of greatest fear, he called on his Savior to rescue him.

When you are afraid of the troubles that swirl around you, keep your eyes on Jesus’ power rather than your own inadequacies. Call out to Him for help, and He will rescue you from the stormy seas.

“We have to pray with our eyes on God ~ not on the difficulties.” ~ Oswald Chambers

“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:31-33