The Everyday Miracle

Friday, September 12, 2014
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "At Thy Feet Our God And Father"1 (Lyrics)

Matthew 14:28-31 – "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (NIV)

I have suffered on and off from depression since I was about ten years of age. My depression is caused from a hereditary dietary problem; the two things go hand in hand. I can be fine for days or weeks or months and then the darkness descends, washing over me, its creeping fingers wrapping about my thoughts, emotions, and physical strength, seeking to drown me in the depths of discouragement and despair. There have been times, when under continual stress, that I needed medication to help me rise to the surface again; a remedy which I believe comes from God who has blessed physicians with the wisdom to know when to prescribe. Mostly, however, the Lord has taught me that when the waters of darkness begin to flow, I must simply cling to His hand of truth.

Colossians 2:6-8 – So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (NIV)

Living in Christ Jesus as Lord, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith, overflowing with thankfulness, and not giving way to human traditions and the basic principles of this world is an everyday miracle. It is an everyday miracle which allows me, as well as everyone else who truly believes, to walk upon the waters amidst the storms of life, no matter how rough or frightening they may be.

This does not mean that when times of flood come, we will not struggle against their tide. What it does mean is that we don't have to be drowned by the struggle of our emotions, thoughts, or circumstances. For when we reach out to Christ Jesus as Lord, His hand is always there to pull us up out of the drink; to allow us to experience the everyday miracle of walking by faith upon the seas of life instead of sinking amidst them.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the everyday miracle of life: being rooted and established in Christ Jesus, strengthened in the faith, overflowing with thanksgiving and not giving way to the deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Bless us this day to continue in our faith that we may not sink but walk upon the seas of life, whatever they may bring our way. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Bless you Lynne. Thanks for your honesty.


    Thank you so much Lynn. A very honest, real, and helpful devotional message.


    Powerful testimony Lynne,
    You have intertwined it well with Scripture.
    May God richly bless you.


    Lynne: I enjoyed your contribution to today’s Devotion which begins my every day, but your comprehensive Prayer must have pleased the Lord.
    Thank you.


    Lynn – thanks for the Devotional. I can so relate to it as I have been like that all my life, but didn’t know it was hereditary nor dietary. I am interested in the diet aspect, as well as the prescribed meds.


    Dearest Lynne:
    AMEN!!!
    Thank you for writing to us.
    Sent with love and prayers.


    Excellent devotional Lynne. Thank you for sharing so honestly about your struggle with depression. I think a lot of people will be able to relate and be encouraged by your testimony. May the Lord continue to use your writing for His glory!
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne!
    Amen and Thanks be to the supreme God for His presence and power and healing!
    Thank you for deeply written testimony of restored life in Jesus Christ!
    What a Savior and Redeemer we have!
    Amen!


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you for the devotionals you write for PresbyCan Daily Devotional.
    You write often and your devotionals are well thought, they relate to the struggles / successes / joys that you have experienced.
    Thank you for sharing so that others can benefit from your life experiences.
    May God bless you and make you a blessing.


    Thank you for sharing a part of your journey with us, the readers. We all have a story and, once it is shared, we come to realize that we are not the only ones that suffer with this or that. Thanks be to God, Who speaks through us and give us the courage to share our downfalls and, thanks be to God, Who walks with us through those times of depression, sickness or whatever befalls us.


    Hi Lynne,
    Your devotional today touched me in many ways. First of all, of course, is that only through Jesus Christ do we have complete peace. Having said that I must admit that in our family we have had very few serious health…physical or mental…problems. With nine grandchildren, who knows, but your message resonates on many levels.
    Thank you,
    (Texas)


    Lynn, Thank you for sharing.
    In Jesus Holy name, I pray away the spirit of depression which has no authority to dwell for any season within you.
    From this day on I pray that Jesus will destroy the unholy powers that would harm you in any way, and will now alone in his Glory and Majesty, set the Agenda for your walk of Faith in service to our King of kings, and Lord of lords.
    Amen and Amen.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne,
    I understand something about the mental struggles you experience. I have learned that there are times when I don’t have the strength to hold God’s hand; He is the One holding on to me. A friend gave me this visual which has been helpful.
    “When you are sinking in the water, turn over and FLOAT!” She ask me, “When you are floating where are you looking?” We both smiled as I replied, “UP!”
    Many times I have found that it has helped me to mentally turn on my back and float, knowing that God’s strong hands are under me, keeping me safe while I am looking UP!
    I have also been looking up scriptures that remind us of the comfort we receive from the word ABIDE.


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you for sharing your assurance of Jesus Christ’s presence in the midst of the struggles. I pray that this assurance will increase and that you will have more on-going freedom from the combined dietary/depression recurrence. I pray that Jesus Christ will give you victory according to his will.

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