WOYWW: Flowers of God's Hope

 This is what I have been doing recently.

While watching all the horrific news on CNN, I have been painting flowers. 

Perhaps to remind myself that out of the filthiest and smelliest garbage, 

God can make a beautiful garden. 

 "O Lord, how many are my adversaries! How many rise up against me!" Psalm 3:1

I am thinking that we are watching the end of the world as we know it. We have enemies who want to destroy our way of life, our friendships, our businesses, our peace, our every day joys. They are threatening to invade our cities and our lives. I imagine that they are gleefully watching TV and seeing how their actions fill our screens front, center and sideways. We cannot hide from them our horror, our anxiety, our confusion.

 How do we combat the enemy without? By strengthening ourselves and our brothers and sisters from within. By prayer, prayer, prayer. By spreading the light which pushes back darkness. By doing good and being kind. By being generous, helpful, loving. By brightening our corner of the world. In every place there is the muck of evil, flowers of God's hope and faith grow in hearts that live in the light.

 "Why did you doubt Me?" Matthew 14:13

In today's Gospel reading, the disciples "were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had arisen, and they were fighting heavy waves". Where was Jesus? He was praying up in the hills. At about 3 am, Jesus appeared, walking on the water towards them. When the disciples caught sight of him, they screamed in terror, apparently thinking He was a ghost. Can you imagine these strong, tough men, screaming? Apparently they were more afraid of ghosts than strong winds.

Jesus then spoke to them, and they calmed down. "It's all right. Get a hold of yourselves. I am here. Do not be afraid." Then Peter spoke up and said, "Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to you across the water." "Come!" Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat, and began to walk on water. At first it is awesome, but when Peter looked around at the darkness, and the heavy winds, he got frightened and began to sink. "SAVE ME!" he shouted. Jesus put out His hand and caught him. "Why did you falter? Why did you doubt Me?"

Sometimes we are called to get out of our comfort zone, to do something that would require God's intervention. During those times, we get to face the darkness of our fears, and the strong winds of our insecurities. But those are the times we also discover the power of God, and what he can do in our life. We just need to never lose sight of Jesus!

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What We Accomplished, Wow Us Wednesdays
The Weekly Creative, Three Word Wednesday
Great Blog Train Bloghop, Cheerleaders of Faith
Women with Intention Wednesdays

Thoughtful Thursday,  Hearts4Home Thursdays, Thought Provoking Thursday

Thriving Thursdays with Serving Joyfully

Thursday Favorites, Desire to Inspire Legacy Leaver Thursday
Beloved Brews Thursdays

Creative Things, Bloom! Soul Survival, Inspiration Gallery
Family Fun Friday, Hearts for Home Thursday

Dance with Jesus Friday

Blessings!

Patsy