“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah. 9:6
It seems that our journeys always have a warning sign with the word ‘problem’ or ‘challenge’ in the middle that is next to the path each and every day. I have a pair of those challenges named Job and TAP below my waist; each and every day. There is a worthy saying that ‘when GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.’ It is comforting to know that He gave us a permanent solution to our problems and challenges; Jesus.
Too often, our problems are not as big as they really seem. Look at the two cooks in the Trinity HOPE kitchen that could be located at any school throughout Haiti. These two saints cook their school’s noon meal every day school is in session. My North American eyes see a lot of problems at the stove in their kitchen. Not a single fire extinguisher to save the palm branch wind break if a spark should ignite it. No roof to protect the food should a rain shower move in before lunch. These are simple problems. The children at their school and you and I have a major problem; sin. We needed a Savior to rescue us from the gates of hell; we need Jesus. We give thanks here in North America and in Haiti that our Heavenly Father has given His only Son for us, to solve our biggest problem that is before us every day; sin. I close this Saturday with words from a hymn written by Edward Hopper in 1871 called ‘Jesus Savior, pilot me.’
“Jesus, Savior, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea; unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treach’rous shoal; chart and compass came from Thee: Jesus, Savior, pilot me. As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild; boist’rous waves obey Thy will when Thou say’st to them, “Be still!” Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me. When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar’ twixt me and the peaceful rest, then, while leaning on Thy breast, may I hear Thee say to me, “Fear not, I will pilot thee.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay