Aug. 13, 2010
 
DEVOTION: Torrid and Torrential
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
Hot days... then torrential rains require our strength and stamina... physically and emotionally but when combined with an overwhelming time of difficult loss... sudden death... flooded roads and rooms... threatening health issues... loss of work... lack of resources... the ending of relationship... the beginning of rapid transitions... life can be devastating.
 
It only takes a matter of minutes... even seconds... for a plane to fall from the sky... thunder, lightening wind and rain to cause havoc... a heart to stop... our health to break... a job to end... possessions to be blown away... feel left alone... see great changes come for all.
 
Even taking our temperature everyday doesn't always serve as warning for what the future might hold.
 
Living is risky... and takes zealous faith and endless strength.
 
Peter was able to walk on water until he noticed the strong wind. Fear caused Peter to sink and he needed the "hand of the Master" to lift him up. Grabbing hold of Peter... the Lord said.."What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?"
 
Doubt is a big part of our living. We exist in unsettled times no matter what century it might be. Who can you trust. What can we hold to be for certain. Where can we find the answers to pertinent questions of the day.
 
We can move from hot to cool... wet to dry... happy to sad... crowded to isolated... old to new... right to wrong... up to down... right to left... open to closed... laughing to crying in a matter of seconds.
 
God KNOWS. God provides. God heals. God comforts. God reaches out. God leads. God forgives. God listens. GOD HELP US!
 
O God we feel the torrid heat of the day and then watch the torrential rains violently cover our world. Our hearts burn from the scorching affects of life and we long for the "still... cool waters of your presence". We cannot manage alone and long for your hand of mercy to reach out... take hold of us... and lift us back to faith and hope. Our well being only comes as we are surrounded by your peace and love. Hear our cry not only for ourselves but for those we love. O God, help me to reach out and grasp Your hand!