IN SPITE OF THE STORMS!

As the year comes to an end, I am reflecting on some things that I have read on a popular social media site this year that is a little disheartening. Some cannot help but to put their personal lives on the internet for all the world to see. Trouble is, they put the "Woe is me!" way too often.

Realizing that we all have bad days, I would like to share some things that might just help us through those times. Especially those who claim to be Christians.

In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus rescued the disciples from the greatest storm they had ever faced in their lives. Reflecting on the storms that Christians face today and how God rescues His people in their own storms, I am reminded that:

• Jesus knew the disciples were going out into the greatest storm of their lives yet He sent them out into it anyway.
  
• Jesus left them to struggle in the storm for 8 or 9 hours and chose to leave them fighting the wind and waves.
  
• Jesus was praying on the mountainside alone with His Father, yet He knew exactly where His disciples were and for how long He was going to stretch their faith.

As Christians today, Jesus Christ sees your problems and the issues you are facing, even though it may feel as though He has abandoned you. Like He saw the disciples in the storm on the sea (Mark 6:47-48), this Proverb describes God as He watches over us.

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

In the storms of life that we face, Jesus keeps His eyes fixed upon us just like He never took His eyes off the disciples in their storm while they were out for hours and hours under pressure.

We may feel that Jesus has left us in the middle of our storms and has abandoned us. But He wants to test our faith. He wants to strengthen us, to see His character and love impressed into our lives before He takes us out of the storm.

“Jesus does not save His children from the storm, He saves them in the storm.” (Spurgeon)

Remember these words of Christ when things seem unbearable in our daily storms:

“Take heart; it is I. ​Do not be afraid.” (Matt. 14:27)

Since it is raining on my parade, I think I'll dance in the rain!

Blessed,

Dr. Tim

Welcome Home!

I know it has been so long since I have posted. But, an urging inside me has once again caused me to put pen to paper (or should I say fingers to keyboard?).

Christmas is only a few days away and so much is happening! Our troops are coming home from years of deployments! Thank you guys (women included) for a job well done and your willingness to sacrifice so much.

As we await Christmas here at the Driggers household, the grand kids are all gathering for what will surely be a "festive" event. For three of them, a special gift will be opened a couple of days before they wake up to gifts left under the tree! Daddy is coming home! He will be sneaked into the house and placed inside a huge box that is wrapped and has a big bow! As the children unwrap the box and remove the bow, my son-in-law will jump out of the box and surprise his three adorable gifts of joy! It is sure to be an emotional event.

For the rest of us, the thrill of anticipation and the joy of participation in this event has been a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that our part will lead to a memory that can never be taken away. Isn't that what we are supposed to do on this holiday?

God gave us a gift that was wrapped in "swaddling" clothes and placed in a "manger" for the world to see. A gift from Heaven to be enjoyed by the whole of humanity. Today, we can take part in sharing this gift in order to see hearts filled with joy and memories that will last a lifetime. Someone somewhere needs the excitement of encouraging words, the filling of a hot meal, the comfort of a family gathering that only YOU can give.

This Christmas, give someone a wonderful memory!

Merry Christmas,
Dr. Tim