This was the first time I heard myself play the piano (I’m still sitting at the keyboard) and I heard what I sounded like.
Ji read the account of Peter walking on water on Sunday morning. At least that’s what I think he read – I’ve had hearing loss so I often fill in the blank with what I think was said. It reminded me of a favorite passage in Mark 4 – the one the phrase, “Peace, be still” comes from.
Tanpo read the Scriptures to me at night before he and Mom would leave for the evening. I would often request something and I remember requesting Mark 4. We never talked about it, but I remembered this since I’ve enjoyed this passage for years and I had a deep desire to hear it again. Long after my parents left and during the days that followed I’d lie in my bed and think, “He cares. He cares.” Because that’s why I wanted Dad to read Mark 4 to me.
First of all, it’s the Lord who suggests, “Let us cross over to the other side,” (Mark 4.35). Changing locations was His idea in the first place, and idea execution is a non-issue for Him. I like to remember that me being disabled was His idea in the first place (I was initially a very unwilling participant) and He’s the One who’s going to see this thing through. Second of all, I like this account because the disciple’s question is so terribly honest. The wind and waves are crashing around them, and the Lord is asleep – asleep – in the stern. So they wake Him and say, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4.38).
Can’t you hear their tone of voice? They’re like, Hellooooo – we’re all gonna die. I know that tone of voice since I use it often myself (at least mentally). It’s not the amazing power the Lord demonstrates as He calms the storm that grabs me, it’s the fact that such a raw question made it into the Scriptures that made me request this passage in the hospital.
In answer to their question, the Lord addresses the situation immediately. I would love for my situation to be addressed immediately, too, but we’re not working on my timeline. He then asks the disciples, Where is your faith? Sometimes I can’t find mine. Maybe I left it in the pocket of the jeans I was wearing when my brain bled. Or maybe it is in storage with the rest of my things in that garage in OR. But no, it’s still with me – along with my family, it’s one of the things I didn’t lose that day. I just forget sometimes and need to be reminded that He cares.
Hebrews 11.6 But without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
Psst – read this, too!
Learning How... 
This also makes me think of Habakkuk 2:1, where in chapter 1 Habakkuk has asked God why he lets things like wickedness and injustice go on, and then he says “I’ll just wait here until you answer. Right here.”
I cried when I saw the video. To hear about your difficulty is one thing to see it is another. Thanks for our honesty in sharing it. I was thinking you have 4 things working for you. First of all the Lord whom you constantly acknowledge. Second you have an amazing family-your parents, sister and brother and their spouses along with there children who are always there to encourage from the start, then you have had a wonderful staff of Dr.’s and nurses and physical therapists who have been so wonderful over the years even if you weren’t so sure on occasion. Last but not least you have an amazing heart and drive to keep going on. It can’t be easy and some days I read you blog and just sit stunned by what you’re going through but keep on keeping on.
And I’m sure I’m not the only one who uphold you daily in prayer which we do. June and I love you and your amazing family and thank God that we ever came in contact.
Dear Ning, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. We know you are struggling but your faith is becoming stronger in the One who loves us and died for us! I am studying Beth Moore On the book of James and it sure stresses steadfastness while we go through trials. Standing firm during the onslaughts of our Enemy. Jesus has promised us a crown of life because we love Him.he is s showing Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.he sees, and understands our weakness. How great to know that He is in control. Harry and I are concerned for Jesse, Joy, Zach, Micah and Elliot, and our other relatives and team members in Burundi right now. We praise the Lord that they are all in God’s loving and protective hands. Whenever we think of how much help and relief you were going to bring to the work out there our hearts are sad, but we know that the Lord’s ways are higher than ours and someday we will understand. Your courage is a great encouragement to all those around you. Please pray for a women’s conference we want to have here on June 1-4. We are inviting women to come from 22 churches in our area. It will be very difficult for some to get here because of distance and poverty. I would love to be able to send them money for bus tickets! Today is our Good News Girls Club at two and our ladies meeting at 4 and since I’m not quite ready I will sign off now. Love and prayers, Ruthie Johnson (Jesse’s mom) Kigoma, Tanzania
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.
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