Tossed About

Tossed About

In Genesis 6 we read the story of Noah building the ark. God gave the exact length, width, and height. He specified the type of wood and the pitch to seal it.

I had never thought about it, but the Ark was not a “ship” in the sense that it had no way to steer it. No controls and no engine. They were basically just adrift. It must have been pretty scary when they hit a rock or were thrown around like a toy by the huge waves. Noah’s job wasn’t to steer the boat home, but to be a passenger. I can’t imagine. I like to be in control of the vehicle that I am riding in. Or at least have someone who knows how to drive it be in control. The idea of being tossed about in huge waves is not a comforting thought. (in fact, sea sickness comes to mind).

We have thought about the process of building the Ark and the amount of faith it must have taken to build this HUGE structure. So many jokes about Noah’s neighbors but reality is that they did chide him. They laughed at him. At least until the flood waters started to rise. 

There is a picture I have seen with a mom and son on a roller coaster. It is an illustration of the two of them bouncing and they have a look of shear terror on their faces. The caption says, “This is what God’s plan for my life feels like”. It is funny but somedays feels true. Some days it does feel like we are being tossed around like rag dolls. The reality of life with God is that He is in control and yes, not every day is like the first day in the Garden. Life isn’t usually Paradise, but I am so grateful to know that He is in control because I know He loves me and His plan is better than any plan I could have. In fact, it’s really fun to pray and ask God for an outcome that I want, only to get the outcome that HE wants and is way better than my idea.

I have told you about my sister in Fl. whose husband passed away after years in a dementia facility. She is 55, she has a special needs 18 yr old boy who does occasionally grab her and has self-control issues. They adopted him from a woman who died of drug overdose. The older brother has struggled with drugs as well. But she is “alone” to deal with these issues. Her youngest son is away at Pensacola Christian College. My other sister and brother are nearby but can really only do so much. I am grateful for her faith. With out faith, I feel she would have given up. I think I would have. I am sure she feels “tossed around”. Are you feeling tossed around today? We all have our days. What a blessing to know that God sees the big picture. He will bring us safely to shore, no matter how much we feel battered and tossed about, He has a plan. 

Lord, give us peace as we battle daily conflicts and help us to remember that you will never leave us or forsake us. Amen.

Shirlene Peterson