"The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm." Matthew 8:25, 26
Addie Bracy, a 29-year-old runner from Longmont, CO estimates that between the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 10,000-meter run, she has raced at least 10 times hoping to qualify for this year's Olympic Trials. She got close several times but never made it, all the while watching as many of her friends and rivals earned the coveted spots. She admits that she was so frustrated about her running that she nearly quit the sport-until, at the urging of a teammate, she signed up for the U.S. Mountain Running Championships where, on July 3rd, she took first place and earned a spot on the U.S. Mountain Running Team that will compete in Bulgaria in September. Ironically enough, this was her first trail race ever.
You know, we can all get frustrated. Whether by situations we bring upon ourselves or things that are out of our control. What we do when we feel that way though can have major implications on those around us. Consider that the disciples had been with Jesus for some time. They had listened to his teachings and seen him perform many miracles including healing a man with leprosy by simply touching him and driving out demons by merely speaking the word. They knew Jesus and they had seen first-hand his power. However. the Bible tells us that when a furious storm arose, rather than trusting Jesus (who was asleep on the boat with them), they woke him in a panic shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" That had to be frustrating, don't you think? But rather than get angry or berate them Jesus, "got up and rebuked the winds, and it was completely calm."
So when we find ourselves getting frustrated with others or ourselves, let us take a moment to remember that, like the disciples, none of us are perfect. We will all experience moments of doubt, insecurity and fear. God knows that and loves us anyway. May we love others enough to show that same kindness to them... to be like Jesus, the "calm" in the midst of any storm.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us when we are totally unlovable and for granting us mercy when we are totally deserving of condemnation. Help us to show these same characteristics to others that they might see You in us. Help us to see others and ourselves as you do that we might love them the hardest when they need it the most. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus.
Happy Running!!!
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