Devotion Archives | Lynn H. Blackburn

Coming In Last

Lynn Blackburn — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 00:04:00 +0000

Coming in last.

I hate it.

Really hate it.

Maybe you do, too?

Have you ever thought about why you hate it?

I have and I’ve boiled it down to a simple statement.

I’m afraid.

Ick.

It’s safer to say that we hate to come in last. It doesn’t sound quite as pitiful as admitting that we’re all grown up and we’re still shaking in our boots.

Afraid we will fail.

Afraid people will think less of us.

Afraid we’ll make an idiot out of ourselves.

Afraid we’ll blow it so badly that others will be able to see our weakness.

For the past year, I’ve faced this fear every single time I walk into Five Forks CrossFit.

For the first three months, I was so nervous that my stomach would do somersaults from the time I woke up until the WOD was over. In my mind, I had no business joining a CrossFit. I was out of shape, overweight, and not in possession of any particular athletic prowess.

Truth be told, in the first few weeks, there were multiple events that tempted me to turn tail and run.

My first week, I fell off a box and messed up my wrist. I came in last.
For the first month, if the WOD (workout of the day) included burpees, my coach automatically cut the number in half for me. I still came in last.
As new people joined our box, I watched as they went from not having a clue to killing the WODs. All while I continued to come in last.
Particularly frustrating were the women, the pregnant and/or brand new moms with 6-week-old babies at home, who lifted more, ran faster, jumped higher, and finished way before me. The girl who finishes last.

Guess what? It’s been a year and I’M STILL COMING IN LAST! Not every time, but a lot of the time.

But guess what else?

I’ve lost almost 30 pounds. I’ve gone from a Size 16 to a Size 10 and on my last shopping trip, I bought a pair of Size 8 jeans and two different shirts that must have been sized wrong because the Mediums were huge on me and I had to buy a Small.

Me. The Chubby Jesus Loving Girl Who Joined a CrossFit.

I’m not telling you this because I think you should join a CrossFit.

I’m telling you this because I think you need to do the thing that scares you.

Even if you know you’re going to come in last.

Even if you know you’re going to mess up.

Even if you know everyone else is going to be able to tell you don’t know what you’re doing and they’ll be able to see how bad you are at it.

You need to write that book.

You need to teach that Bible study.

You need to coach that team.

You need to invite those neighbors over for dinner.

You need to do the thing that scares you.

Even if you wind up coming in last.

You may not be famous. You may not have a million blog followers. You may not win awards.

But you will not be the same.

I’m convinced that God isn’t looking for people to be the “next big thing.” He’s looking for people who will do the one thing He’s leading them to do. Even—especially—if they’re scared.

Not because He wants them to be afraid, but because He will be with them every step of the way.

Even—especially—when they come in last.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (ESV)

Click to Tweet: Even if you come in last, you won’t be the same. Thoughts on doing the thing that scares you from @LynnHBlackburn.

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Dear Jesus…Amen

Lynn Blackburn — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I love hearing my kids find their voice as they learn to talk to God.

Emma goes for loud and proud. “Dear Jesus,” she’ll begin, then we usually get a nice pause. This is followed by her thanking Him for something about her day, or the food, or something really random like swings or a television show.
I know God looks forward to her prayers. I believe they make Him smile.

Then there’s James. At four, his prayers are already starting to sound like the prayers he’s heard. He’s likely to ask God to help us “have a great day” or “keep us safe” and he’s been known to throw in a request for frozen yogurt or a trip to the park. He also is starting to question things.

He recently wanted to know why we say “Amen” at the end of our prayer. I told him what I’ve always been told, that “amen” means “so be it.” That went flying over his head, so I backed up and went with, “it’s a word we use to end our prayers.” He hasn’t started saying “goodbye” or “later” so I think he’s good with amen.

Of course, I imagine God cracking up as this little guy starts to have more of a conversation with Him. I think He loves the questions and looks forward to James coming to Him with more complex queries in the years ahead.

And then there’s Drew. At two, his prayers go like this…Dear Jesus…(long pause)…Amen.
It’s cute, right? Adorable really.
He’ll grow more verbose in the months ahead.

But I wonder if God kinda wishes he wouldn’t.

I wonder if He wishes more of us prayed the way Drew does.

Dear Jesus…(long pause…sitting quietly, waiting for Him) … so be it.

So often, I try to tell God everything I need, because I know what I need. I try to explain the mess, because I know all the ins and outs of the situation. I try to propose a solution, because I’ve been thinking about this for a while.

Wait…why am I praying again?

Maybe we could all take a lesson from Drew. Maybe we need to approach the throne, not with a laundry list of desires, but with one desire.

Dear Jesus…whatever You want…so be it.

Amen.

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Mindful Mondays :: Are you scared?

Lynn Blackburn — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:42:00 +0000

Do you ever find a verse in the Bible that makes you do a double-take?

You read it. Then you read it again. You wonder if it really means that in the Greek or Hebrew or Aramaic or well, any language, because you just don’t see it happening.

I ran across just such a verse last summer as I read through Psalms. It’s bugged me ever since.

I lead a life that, compared to most of the world’s population, is easy. There’s plenty of food to eat, clean water to drink, and safe air to breathe. I spend most of my days in a comfortable home with appliances that wash my clothes and my dishes, cool or heat the air (sometimes both in the same day), and cook my food.

I go to sleep to the sound of a ceiling fan and an ocean waves app that runs through my husband’s iPhone. And I have no reason to believe that gunshots or bombs or roving bands of terrorists will interrupt my slumber.

I live a life that is unimaginable to huge numbers of the human race.

But I still worry.

I have a generally positive outlook on life. But there are the big what ifs that make my blood run cold. What if someone I love gets sick? What if my kids don’t follow the Lord? What if they mess up their lives? What if…what if…what if…and that’s where Psalm 112:7 comes in and messes with me.

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.”

I’ve tried to ignore this verse, but the Holy Spirit keeps bringing it up.

I asked if it’s possible that this particular psalmist suffered from a serious case of hyperbole. (Short answer – NO).

I wondered if ‘bad news’ in the Old Testament was like a hangnail or a bee sting. A quick check of Strong’s concordance shot that idea down. Turns out what the ESV renders as “bad” is a word that is more often translated as “evil”. So it’s even worse than I thought.

But I couldn’t leave well enough alone. I checked the rest of the words in the verse. Turns out that word “firm” can imply a sense of readiness.

In other words, “He isn’t afraid of bad news. He’s ready for it.”

Mercy.

I am encouraged by one thing. There’s no glossing over the fact that some news is bad. Being a fully committed follower of God doesn’t mean we pretend all of life is a hot fudge sundae with a few strawberries thrown in for fun.

We don’t have to act like our mom’s cancer diagnosis or our dad’s job loss or our child’s rebellion is no big deal. We don’t have to paste a smile on our face and act like it’s all good.

Some news is bad.

But you do have a choice. You can live in fear of it, either before or after it arrives, or you can get ready for it.

How?

You get to know the only One who already knows what’s headed your way. You hang out with Him. You learn from Him.

And the more you do. The more you’ll trust.

And the more you trust, the less you have to fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you plan to do this summer to get to know Jesus better? Have you thought about it? I’m working on my summer blog schedule – is there a topic you’d like me to cover? Let me know in the comments!

Are you taking the JoyDare with me? My list of graces given grows here.
April 30 ~ A gift given, made, sacrificed:: A note of encouragement, lunches for all, time

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Mindful Mondays :: Rejoice Until You’re Glad

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Today’s blog post was supposed to be about something different.

But that was before the day ran off the rails.

I had big plans for this day. Some writing, some housework, some exercise, some laundry.

I even made plans to get my day off on the right foot. I went to bed a little earlier than I wanted to. I set my alarm for earlier than I wanted to. And I knew how I would be tackling the day’s list as soon as my feet hit the floor.

I did not plan for my feet to hit the floor at 3:30 a.m.

Or at 4:30 a.m.

I did not expect the “quiet time” I planned for 5:45 a.m. to include a fussy baby. Or for my early bird toddler to ask to play Starfall at 6:10 a.m.

Today I feel inadequate. So very much not enough. So frustrated by a day that refuses to cooperate.

So I took my aggravation to the only One who really gets it, and what did He have to say?

“This is the day that I have made. Rejoice. And be glad in it.”

Why He made a day this messed up is beyond me. (I asked. I think He chuckled. I’m so glad He loves me even when I’m being a smarty pants).

And honestly, I still feel on the edge of a breakdown. I’m tired. The scale didn’t move as much as I had hoped it would. The bills still have to be paid. The laundry will not fold itself. The baby’s going to wake up soon and he’s still going to be cutting four teeth at once.

But…

My husband thinks I’m doing a great job.
My kids do, too.
My coffee tastes just right.
My sins are forgiven.
My standing before God is not dependent on how much I do today. It isn’t even dependent on my attitude or my behavior. I’m secure because of what Jesus did for me.
And, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Maybe I can even rejoice until I’m glad.

Has this Monday morning got you down? Take a minute and write down a few things you’re thankful for. A few things that are good and glorious. (You can start with the fact that you are breathing if you’re having a hard time coming up with anything.) And then if you feel like it, share a few things with me in the comments. I’d love to hear about what gives you a reason to rejoice!

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I’ve been updating the Joy Dare page. It’s hard to stay grouchy when you count graces. Gladness stalks me with each line…

I’m looking for three gifts reflecting today…I’ll post them when I find them…I know they are out there!

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Mindful Mondays :: Can You Hear Him?

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

On a hot August afternoon, a small miracle occurred at my house.

Both of my boys were asleep. At the same time.

Which is the only reason I was sitting in my recliner at 1:51 p.m.

While I don’t remember what I was doing (other than that I was sitting, which may have been all I was doing), I do remember feeling the strangest sensation.

It felt like the house trembled for several seconds. It went on long enough for me to notice, but not long enough for me to be overly concerned.

The closest thing my mind could come up with at the time was the way my old house felt whenever my washing machine got out of balance. The poor, overloaded appliance had—from time to time—made a valiant effort to jump out of the closet it lived in. And when it did, the whole house rattled until I either shifted the load or did my best to hold the thing still until the spin cycle ended.

But, the washing machine wasn’t running.

So I put it out of my mind until I received a phone call a few minutes later that explained everything.

At 1:51 p.m., a 5.9 earthquake struck Washington, D.C., and the tremors were felt all up and down the East Coast.

That afternoon, Facebook lit up with reports and two things became quite clear.

1. If you’d ever felt an earthquake before that day, then you knew exactly what it was the moment it hit. As mild as the tremors were, they were unmistakable to those who had a history with earthquakes.

2. Even if you had some earthquake experience, if you were busy at all, you missed it. Friends who live less than a mile away didn’t notice.

And, I think there’s something to be learned here.

Because God’s voice often comes as a whisper—a whisper that causes our spirits to tremble in resonance.

The problem is, more often than not, we’re too busy to notice.

This week, let’s slow down.

Let’s make some room to just be.

Let’s tune our hearts to His.

Who knows what miracles are waiting…

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Sawdust

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I love the smell of sawdust.

One whiff and I feel like a
young girl standing in the barn, holding the end of a board while my Daddy cuts
it with a Skilsaw. I’m transported to a safe place to talk, to spill my
troubles, to ask questions, to get answers.

With each deep breath, I can
remember the unique smell of my Pa’s flannel shirts – a combination of sawdust,
gasoline and sweat. I’m transported to Friday evenings sitting beside him
watching Knight Rider. Or riding on the back of a tractor down to the mailbox,
giggling all the way.

To me, sawdust smells like hard work and
childhood.

To me, sawdust smells like love.

I was
thinking about this recently as I walked through our new home which, at that
moment, was covered in sawdust. A new home which is clearly a part of God’s plan
for my life, and which, as usual, has not unfolded in the way I
expected.

God’s ways are unsearchable. He plans beyond our grasp. And
sometimes, He feels so far above us, so far beyond us, as to be
unknowable.

But He wants us to know Him.

As I
walked down the stairs, leaving footprints in the sawdust, breathing in the
delicious aroma, He spoke.

“I love the smell of sawdust,
too.”
I froze on the
stairs.

What?

God loves the smell of
sawdust?

Really? And why would He take the time to tell me? What is He
trying to reveal to me about who He is?

I’ve thought about it quite a bit
over the past few weeks. Perhaps it reminds Him of long talks in a barn, holding
the end of a board while Joseph made practiced cuts with a handsaw. Maybe He
recalls childhood laughter with His siblings as they built towers and forts with
the scraps left over from Joseph’s latest project.

Or maybe, there was a
hint of sawdust in the air as He bore the cross, as the nails pierced His flesh,
as He died for me.

Maybe, to Him, sawdust smells like
love.

I John 4:7-10 ~ Beloved, let us love one another, for
love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone
who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of
God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so
that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but
that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
(ESV)

From the archives…originally posted 3/14/11

image courtesy of
photobucket.com

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Mindful Mondays: Waiting to Arrive

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

If you haven’t figured this out yet, I have a serious geek streak.

I loved Calculus and I think Chemistry and Physics jokes are hilarious. I have several friends who make the guys on The Big Bang Theory seem normal.

And if that wasn’t enough, I love fantasy and science fiction.

I could watch Star Wars, Firefly, The Matrix, and The Lord of the Rings on a continuous loop.

In the story world of The Matrix, earth has been taken over by machines and they have enslaved the human race. Every now and then, someone is “freed” to live in the real world.

The real world is grimy and messy. They eat gruel and wear rags.

But when they enter the matrix? They are so cool.

Black leather. Trench coats. Sunglasses.

It turns out that when they enter the matrix, their bodies remain in the real world. But their minds project a digital image, and that’s what is seen.

Hang in there, I’m getting to the point.

Because I do the same thing.

I stand in front of my mirror and see all my flaws. I see the body that carried three babies and the shadows under eyes that spend far too little time closed.

But as soon as I get away from the mirror I’m incapable of seeing myself accurately. My “digital projection” is a Size 6 with perfect hair. She also wears cute clothes and I don’t mind telling you that I wish she was real!

I do the same thing when it comes to my heart.

I sit in church and I’m overwhelmed with my own sin and the enormity of God’s grace. I worship and proclaim “You’re all I want—You’re all I need—You are all my heart desires—you’re everything to me.”

But as soon as I get back into the real world . . . I want what I want and I want it now. My sin doesn’t seem all that bad. And I act like God’s grace is something I deserve.

The real world is grimy and messy.

I am grimy and messy.

And if I stay away from the mirror of God’s word, I can carry on, blissfully ignorant of the flaws in the real me.

But when I take a look, I see pettiness, pride, doubt, and anger. It’s not cute and I wish it wasn’t real.

Wishing never changed anything. But repentance—turning away from me and turning to Him—is the way we make progress in the Christian life.

I used to think that someday I would arrive—that I would mess up less often, so I wouldn’t need to repent as much.

But the opposite is true.

The more I grow, the more I see my sin, so the more I repent, so the more I grow, so the more I see my sin, so the more I repent…and on it goes.

Tim Keller says it this way…”The more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God’s grace appears to you. But on the other hand, the more aware you are of God’s grace and acceptance of Christ, the more able you are to drop your denials and self-defenses and admit the true dimensions of your sin.”

It’s been huge for me—to see repentance in this way.

What about you? Are you still waiting to arrive and frustrated by how far your real self is from the one you try to project—from the one you truly want to be?

Could I invite you to remember that you are beloved? You are accepted. There is nothing you can do to make God love you more and nothing you can do to make God love you less.

Whatever it is…repent. Turn away from yourself.

Turn back to Him.

You’ll find joy waiting.

Psalm 51:10, 12 ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…Restore unto me the Joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (ESV)

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Thoughtful Thursday :: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Lynn Blackburn — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

I’m a big fan of digging into the Word.

But I’m also a mom of three. There are some days where the only things I dig into are mounds of laundry, piles of toys, and heaps of diapers.

So, am I off the hook? Does God understand?

Yes and no.

Does He understand? Absolutely. Am I off the hook? Absolutely not!

I know in my own life, the busier I am, the more desperate my need for time with my Father. And the crazier the schedule, the more I crave His presence.

But it hasn’t always been that way.

It’s easy to buy into the lie that we are too busy. Or that if we don’t have thirty minutes, there’s no point in starting. And if your life is anything like mine, you’re lucky if you get three minutes to yourself during daylight hours.

So, what can you do? What if you want to spend more time with God, but you don’t know where to start?

A few months ago, I joined the ranks of the thousands of people who use the Jesus Calling devotional as a part of their private worship. And I love it.

While I don’t believe that this or any devotional can or should take the place of a more in depth study of the Word, it’s a wonderful launch pad.

The devotions are short. Most are no more than a couple of paragraphs…which means no excuses.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have time to read two paragraphs before breakfast. Even people with crying babies and hormonal teenagers can squeeze this into their routine.

The devotions are written from Jesus’ point of view. Now before that freaks you out, please keep in mind that the author, Sarah Young, makes it clear in the introduction that she is not implying that these devotions are inspired. Simply that she wrote down what she felt the Lord was saying to her.

They are intensely personal. And they resonate with me because they mirror some of my own conversations with the Lord.

I see these devotions as an appetizer for the main course.

Are there times when I run all day on the appetizer? Yep. It’s not ideal. But it does make me hungry for more.

I also like to use this devotional as a “dessert” that I enjoy before diving into the chaos of the morning, or sometimes as a “snack” in the middle of the day when I need a time of refreshment and refocus. I don’t read it every day, but it’s been fun to see how often the devotions, and even more often the Scripture, is exactly what I need, precisely when I need it.

So what about you? Do you struggle to “find time” to spend with God? Are you reading a chapter to check it off your list, or are you listening for what He wants to talk to you about? Do you use the Jesus Calling devotional? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

******************************************

The winner of the autographed copy of Firethorn by Ronie Kendig is . . . .

Bethany Kaczmarek

Congratulations Bethany!!!

******************************************

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Count it all joy?

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:45:00 +0000

I joined a gym last week.

As I perused the group fitness schedule, I noticed a class called Intense Fit. My body said NO WAY but my brain pointed out that the handout specifically said the class was for “all levels” so it couldn’t be that bad.

My body is still ticked that my brain won that argument.

I knew trouble was brewing when the instructor sent us to run three laps as a warm up.

Three laps? As a warm up?

I got through the laps and found myself leaning against a wall with two people who looked like they’d been out for a leisurely stroll. (I was trying not to humiliate myself by gasping for air).

One says in a perky voice, “My butt was sore after last week’s class.” To which the other says, “Really? That’s great!”

Folks, they were dead serious.

I survived the first half of the class, albeit with a new and profound hatred of burpees, and as we transitioned to the upper body portion, the instructor congratulated me on hanging in there. She said I was doing great. (She was being kind, but I’m pretty sure she was wondering how long it would take the EMTs to arrive when I passed out).

As we neared the end of the class, the instructor commented that we were finishing a few minutes early. Some helpful person near the front said something, and next thing I know, we’re jumping around doing some sort of air jacks.

Well, some people were jumping.

I was doing an approximation of a hop.

And rebuking myself for the un-Christian thoughts I was having toward that lunatic who couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

I managed to stay upright as I left, although I did lean on the handrails as I eased down the stairs. Before I got to my car, the ache set in. By the next morning, I hurt in places I didn’t know I had.

The thing is, I know this is good for me. I’m packing an extra 50—and I don’t mean IQ points. Something’s gotta give—preferably my waistline.

While I can’t say (yet) that I’m enjoying the process, some of those people were. They were laughing. And smiling. They did everything the instructor asked—and sometimes did things to make it harder than it had to be.

Keep in mind, they don’t enjoy the pain . . . But they are joyful in the midst of it.

Why?

Because they believe the effort will produce results—the kind of results they are willing to suffer for a while in order to achieve.

It’s given me a new appreciation for what James is talking about when he says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Some translations say “endurance” or “patience” instead of “steadfastness” but I kind of like “steadfastness.” As I wobbled out of the class, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to finish an hour of Intense Fit and stand strong, ready for another round.

When James says we should “count it all joy” it doesn’t mean “enjoy the agony”. It means that joy, in the middle of suffering, is possible. I’m not sure I’m there yet, but I think I see how it could happen.

You have to believe—to your very core—that what you are going through will produce a result and that the result will be worthwhile.

What’s the result?

James 1:4 ~ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

That sounds nice.

This is even better.

James 1:12 ~ Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. (ESV)

You may be neck deep in a real life version of Intense Fit. You may have thought it was almost over, just to have someone crank up the heat. You may be staggering around in the aftermath of a brutal struggle.

If you listen, I believe you’ll hear God whispering, “You’re doing great, sweetheart. Hang in there. It’s worth it.”

I Peter 1:6-7 ~ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (ESV)

I’d love to hear from you. Have you been there? Have you watched someone else live a life characterized by joy despite intense difficulties? Take a moment and encourage all of us in the comments!

Are you taking the Joy Dare with me? A thankful heart is a joyful heart!

March 19
3 Gifts Eaten: Birthday cake, breakfast casserole, a perfectly crisp apple
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Mindful Mondays :: In the Boat

Lynn Blackburn — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

As I’ve been hanging out in the gospels for the past few months in an effort to soak up what Jesus said and did, I couldn’t help but notice something.

I’m big on being out of the boat, but being in the boat isn’t as easy as it’s cracked up to be.

Do you remember the story? In Matthew 8, Jesus has delivered the Sermon on the Mount, healed a bunch of people, and cast out a slew of demons. As the crowd grew around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. He was exhausted and He crashed.

The disciples were probably okay with that.

Until they weren’t.

The storm came. The wind blew. The waves—oh the waves.

We don’t know how much noise they made hoping He would wake up on His own. We don’t know if they argued over who would be the one to disturb Him.

These guys were trying to hold the ship together and at some point, they start calling out, probably all at once to be heard over the wind. “Jesus. Jesus! Hey, Jesus!!! Help! Save us. We are going down, man.” (Lynn’s paraphrase)

Now, let’s give the disciples a little credit here. Somewhere, there was a smidgen of faith. They’d been watching Him do amazing things. And they asked Him to intervene on their behalf.

Maybe they wondered if His power extended to the weather. Sure, He could handle demons. He could heal people. But freak storms? That might be too much.

We know better. But then, we have the whole Bible and know how the story ends. It’s easy to sit in our comfortable pew and tsk-tsk the disciples for their lack of faith.

Until it isn’t.

Until my faith runs into a storm it hasn’t faced before. And suddenly, I start to wonder. Can He handle this? Maybe this is the relationship, the job, the financial problem, the heart, the illness, or the fear that might be too much.

But I’ve seen Him do amazing things. So I take my smidgen of faith and I cry out, “Lord, save me! I’m dying here.”

And once again, He says, “Why are you afraid?”

I’m so thankful He doesn’t keep me at arm’s length because of my pitiful faith. If I let Him, He pulls me close into His Everlasting Arms and holds me until the storm is over.

Did you follow Jesus into the boat and now find yourself in the middle of a storm? The storm doesn’t mean you’ve messed up. And you don’t have to hang on in your own strength to get through.

Crawl into His arms. Stay there. Let Him hold you.

And get ready to marvel.

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:23-27 ESV)

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