A ray of sun found its way through a slit in the window shade and landed on my face. Coaxing myself to wake up, I thought, I want to watch the news before church. Get up and put the coffee on. As I anticipated what might be on the breaking news, I couldn’t wait to see how it might fit into Bible prophesy. Since the beginning of the Covid government lockdown, my mind has swirled with excitement between prophecy and the news.
I had stayed up late the night before trying to write, but writing was not coming easy. With the coronavirus knocking at everyone’s door, I found it impossible to concentrate on writing children’s stories. I prayed for God’s guidance and courage over my writing group but neglected to pray for myself. Instead, true to my nature, I tried to cope with my problems by staying busy.
Like most churches, our church decided to stream church services during the lockdown. I got my coffee, watched the news, and tuned into the church service. The sermon was entitled “Weathering Storms,” which I thought appropriate for what we might be facing. The preacher referenced the disciples in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. He reminded his congregation that we would all go through storms in our lives but not to fear that Jesus would be with us.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. (Luke 8:22-25NIV)
As he preached, for some unexplained reason, my mind drifted to the afternoon my sister passed and to the evening my brother-in-law passed away, maybe because both memories felt like storms in my life. A tear ran down my cheek. Then I remembered the story in the book of Matthew. I pictured Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on the water towards Jesus—a calm peace surrounded me.
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Mathew 14:29NIV)
My oldest sister, Jean, married when I was three years old. I have beautiful memories of spending time with both her and her husband, Bill.
If anyone asked my brother-in-law, “Is that your girl?” referring to me, he always said, “Yes.” Needless to say, I felt close to both of them.
Dad helped my sister and her husband build their house down the road from ours before their two boys were born. In our family, the word “children” means happiness, so the addition of their two boys just meant more fun for me and my siblings.
Later in their life, Jean fought a long battle with cancer, and Bill battled a heart condition, diabetes, and cancer.
After news of my sister’s trip to the hospital in an ambulance, I threw a few things in the car and traveled 150 miles—praying all the way. By the time I arrived, Jean could not speak, and her eyes were closed. True to our natural manner, our family fought back tears as we all gathered around her hospital bed and said The Lord’s Prayer aloud. As the last word left our lips, she quietly slipped into the Lord’s arms.
Seven years later, the hospital called me in the early afternoon, letting me know that Bill was in intensive care and that I should come as soon as possible. I called one of my brothers, who must have informed the family. On the drive to the hospital, I talked to God and accepted His peace. Still, I knew this was different than the many other trips when I had taken him to or met him at the hospital.
Four of us arrived at the same time. The nurse had no problem with us all going to his bedside. His youngest son stood on one side of the bed while I stood on the other side and held his hand. Bill looked caringly at me. He asked, “What do we do now?” I think he meant to ask, “What will you do now,”—aware that I was very dependent on his advice and guidance. He was dying and concerned about others.
“We cling to Jesus. We must reach for His hand.” I heard the words exiting my mouth.
A family member at the foot of the bed began to quote the twenty-third Psalm. The rest of the family joined in, followed by Bill. His voice was as strong as the voices surrounding him. He repeated every word perfectly. Then he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and released it. I know he reached for the Lord’s hand and stepped through the shadow and out of the boat that held the body.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 KJV)
I’m positive God gifted me the sermon this morning to remind me that Jean and Bill left the family an example of how to weather the storm with Jesus by your side.
Jean was the glue that held our family together here on earth. I believe she heard us saying “The Lord’s Prayer.” She was always more concerned about the family than herself. After hearing her family quote, “The Lord’s Prayer,” I think she stepped out of the boat, confident she was leaving us in God’s hands.
Bill, a man of unwavering faith, was a true blessing in my life. His faith was a source of comfort in our darkest moments. He reached for Jesus’ hand, always focusing on Him, even in the face of death.
“Father, God, my heart aches for the many people who are unable to be by their loved ones who are desperately ill or passing away. Help them weather the storm of Covid. Please turn this evil lockdown around and use it for good. Maybe use the television to spread the gospel more than ever before.”
“Thank you, God, for providing your word, the Bible, to teach us that you will be by our side in the storms we endure and for people like Bill and Jean who show us you are with us. You are my awesome God. Please guide me and give me the courage to weather the storms while keeping me aware your hand is outstretched. Please help me stay focused on you. In your precious Son’s name, Amen.”