Women’s Devotion: Spring?

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 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. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” -Matthew 8:23-27

I have been told that we are now in the season called “spring” which began on March 20th. As I write this devotion in mid April, I am listening to the weatherman tell us that a powerful storm system is moving into the state of Nebraska which will include rain, freezing rain, high winds and 12 to 18 inches of snow in North Central Nebraska. How can this be? At times like this, when the weatherman is telling us about the storms that may be approaching, it is understandable to feel anxious, sad and often times fearful.

We also have these feelings when a different type of storm affects our lives. Storms can come in various forms such as personal trials, illness or the loss of a loved one. No one is exempt from these storms. When we least expect it, storms or trials may come. As we read in Matthew 8:23-27, we must trust in the Lord. That is not as easy as it may sound. That is why we need our church, our family and our friends to help and support us through these times. And we also need to be there for others. God works in many ways, through many different channels.

As the weather warms and I can get out for my walks this spring and summer, I am sure I will be humming a song that I learned many years ago:

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me, I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Dear Lord, thank you for walking beside us each and every day. Help us to draw closer to you. Amen.

Linda Martindale has been a member of the Women’s Ministry Committee for the past three years. She and her husband, Jim, joined Sheridan six years ago when they moved to Lincoln from York, NE. They now live closer to their family which includes three grandchildren. Linda will tell you that they found their church home before they actually found a house to buy in Lincoln.