Power Over the Wind

Years ago, I gave a speech at a Toastmaster’s Humorous Speech contest on “How to Speak Southern.” I gave a series of southern words, complete with a strong southern accent and a funny definition of each word. One of my favorite southern words was “ever-which-aways,” which means “scattered in all directions.”

"Ever-which-aways" seems so fitting to describe the crazy weather we’ve had in San Antonio the last few months. Dry, hot days with winds an average of about 15 mph. This has gone on for several months with very little rain, adding now to the weather forecast, a regular fire warning. These crazy winds affect way more than just messy hair and dust in one’s eyes!

There’s nothing I can do to change these windy days, except pray for rain. Yet, Jesus, in the Scriptures, demonstrated His power over the wind. Here’s the story:

 “Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, 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

The Sea of Galilee was known for its violent storms that would come out of nowhere. The severity of the storm was so severe as the disciples woke Jesus fearful that they would drown. But Jesus was sleeping. As Jesus awoke, He questioned their faith. “Why are you so afraid?” He was upset at their fear, probably because fear and unbelief go hand in hand. When we trust in a trustworthy God, what do we have to fear?

Then, Jesus did what only Jesus could do. He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves. Can you imagine? He stopped the wind and waves! No one can do that! The disciples were amazed and questioned, “Who can this be?” In this short little section, we see that Jesus not only was fully human (needing to sleep) but fully God (able to calm the wind and waves)

I need this story. Maybe you do too. Jesus had authority over the winds on the Sea of Galilee just as he has authority over the winds in our lives. What are the winds in your life? What makes you stay awake at night? Where does fear take over in your life? When we look up at the winds before us, stress, anxiety, and even panic attacks can occur. Jesus may ask us “Why are you so afraid?”

How has fear blinded crippled you today? Do you realize the power of Jesus? God uses the storms in our life to help us realize that we can’t control our lives. How is God calling you to greater faith? Call out the name of Jesus. He is near.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Buried Beneath Shame

Shame is such a horrible feeling. It’s hard to define shame, but we know it when we feel it. It’s a painful emotion that is often caused by awareness of guilt or failure that often leads us to feel worthlessness, unqualified, small, and never quite good enough.

I know that feeling of shame. I know it because I’m a sinner. A regular daily sinner. As much as I was probably seen as the “Goody Two Shoes” to many, deep down I knew I was just as guilty as anyone. Why? Because I sin. Every day.

Truth be told, we all like to appear as “Goody Two Shoes.” We all like to think we’re pretty good people. Well, of course, we “goof up” but we’re not as bad as so and so. And so we live, managing our sin and image well, looking good and hiding well.

What’s the answer to our shame? When I understand the message of Scripture, I see two things about shame. I see the reality of my own sin. Secondly, I see that my sin is far worse than I could ever imagine! All of us have more sins than we can imagine! Don't miss this: Yet, we are more loved than we can possibly conceive! My struggle for shame is solved in Jesus. Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus took the shame on Himself and endured the cross! 

Why do I love Easter? Because I know who I am and Whose I am. I see what Jesus did for me and what He can do for all of us. We never again have to be slaves to sin! We are fully known and loved by God. I can't get over that nor will I ever get over that!

Shame is such a horrible feeling. And honestly, at times, shame can creep back into my mind. It is in those moments; that I talk to Jesus and tell Him what’s on my mind. He reminds me that I no longer live in sin, but in Him. He is not just good news, Jesus is the BEST news ever!

Take a listen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzpfqrPUDo

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Considering Jesus and Palm Sunday

I have fond memories of Palm Sunday growing up. There was a lot of pomp and circumstance at my church and I was all in! I had a thing for music, especially piano, and loved when the pianist and organist took it to the next level. The more pounding the better. The pianist and organist together would play “The Palms” song and we would sing. I couldn’t get enough of it.

Of course, the props on Palm Sunday were awesome too! As choir kids, we all received a palm branch and got to parade down to the front of the church. That was cool. My biggest remembrance from the scripture was that Jesus got a ride on a donkey. A donkey of all creatures! I was a horse gal so I was particularly interested in his four-legged mount.  

You may remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem a few days before his death. He rode in on the donkey, while the multitude was shouting his praises, spreading their garments and palm branches out to give him honor. As Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, he was not only affirming that He was Messiah but displaying his humility. It was known that a king riding a horse would be bent on war, whereas riding a donkey symbolized his arrival in service, peace, suffering, and humility. Jesus asked for a donkey because it would show that his kingship was not from man but from God.

As a child, I didn’t understand all the significance of Palm Sunday. Today, I have even more joy, wonder, and questions.

How was Jesus feeling as he rode the donkey into Jerusalem?  I have a feeling that despite knowing exactly what was to take place on the cross, Jesus rode through the streets with a spirit of peace, and a humble heart, not intimidated in the least. He was not fearful or scared but in synch with His Father. Even despite the city being in turmoil, Jesus was not. He knew His role and each day was one step closer to the cross.

Could it be that many didn’t understand who Jesus was? Just like in our day, I would presume that many in Jerusalem waving those branches didn’t understand who Jesus was or what He had come to do. Jesus entered Jerusalem as a peace-loving King. He also demonstrated his authority time and time again in the book of Matthew. He was the Messiah and would soon go to the cross, experience a gruesome death, and be resurrected, all so that we could experience eternal life. He offered the only acceptable sacrifice for sin- death. I now get it! Having a relationship with Jesus means everything to me!

I want to become more like Jesus and live for Him. How? I often think Christians get a bad name, and rightly so because we can be royal jerks at times. But Jesus was not a jerk. Mahatma Gandhi once said “I like their Christ, but I don’t like their Christians. The thing about you Christians is that you are so unlike your Christ.” Learn of Christ. Follow Christ. See His character, His humility, and learn to love as He loves. Practice forgiveness. Read God's word and strive to be like Him. Find other believers who are on the same journey. 

As you experience this Holy Week, would you consider Jesus in your life? I encourage you to read the following verses as you walk through this Holy Week:

Monday- Isaiah 42:1-4
Tuesday- Isaiah 11:1-5
Wednesday- Matthew 26:14-16
Thursday- John 13:12-16
Good Friday- Isaiah 53:1-5
Holy Saturday- Romans 6:3-11
Easter Sunday- John 20:1-9

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

What We Worry About

I occasionally troll Twitter. I get the latest takes on sports, news, and opinions. I learn a lot about how people think and the concerns that they face. Just a few days ago, someone asked on Twitter a simple question: What are you currently worried about?

The answers were all over the map. Here are a few of the 227 responses:

• A custody trial. I know I shouldn’t be, but literally, my everything is at stake.
• My next appointment with the Neurosurgeon
• Finishing my taxes.
• Putin launching nukes or beginning of WW3
• My 95-year-old dad wants to keep driving even with failing eyesight
• Some health issues
• Finances.
• Getting all my work done efficiently over the coming weeks without letting stress sap my energy.
• What’s happening to the people of Ukraine
• I have anxiety. I’m always worried about everything
• Where I’m going to live
• Inflation eating up my discretionary income
• Nuclear war
• WWIII, COVID, and the possibility of moving from Texas to the NE
• The world my kids will be living in 30 years from now.
  

I assume some on this list you resonate with. I certainly do. As I look at this list, I realize that we human beings are walking around doing life with a lot on our minds.

What will happen? Perhaps, that’s part of our worries! We don’t know the future! We don’t even know what will happen in the next 24 hours! Oh, we’ll try our darndest to plan those 24 hours out to be what WE want them to be. Reality tells us; however, we really don’t know.

What are your worries today? What keeps you up at night? Paul, in the book of Philippians, literally gives a command that guides us to freedom and peace:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

We are not to be anxious about anything! As we go to God and pray about everything and abide in Christ, He helps keep our hearts from worry. We literally practice casting our cares and concerns (no matter how big or small) on the Lord Jesus.

So, go ahead! Tell God about all your needs. Lay every burden at His feet and leave them there. God’s peace is available for the asking!

“In worry, we talk to ourselves. In prayer, we talk to God. When we worry, we focus on the circumstances of life, but in prayer, we focus on our heavenly Father.” (Knowing Jesus, Philippians 4:6)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.