July 20

Isaiah 60-64

There were several things that stood out to me from chapter 64:

1) God is big and holy and powerful.
"Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you."

2) There is no one like God.
"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways."

3) God has everything in our lives under His control.
"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

I think its important to reminder ourselves just how small we are and just how big God is. We often feel that we can control or plan everything in our lives. Unfortunately, we couldn't be further from the truth. God is our Creator and Father. He has everything in His hands, including those things that we don't understand.

I'm reading a book called North by Northwestern by Sig Hansen (he's one of the featured captains on Deadliest Catch, a show on Discovery channel.) The book is a history of his family of fisherman, going back generations in Norway. He is currently a fisherman on the Bering Sea (between Alaska and Russia). He tells a story of another vessel that was suppose to leave Seattle and head up to Alaska at the same time as his boat, the Northwestern. The Northwestern had engine difficulties and their departure was delayed for a few days. The other boat left on time and told Sig they would see him up in Alaska. Sadly, that boat and the people on it were never seen again. Sig wrote that this was a very difficult time for him, not only because all those men on that ship were his friends, but also because he felt that if the Northwestern had been there, they possibly could have done something to help. He writes, "I've never gone to church regularly; it's nearly impossible when you're at sea most of the year. In spite of that, I'm a believer. The power of the ocean makes me realize what a tiny place I occupy in the universe, and that despite all our best efforts, we have little control over our destiny. The work I do has forced me to contemplate death - to wonder why one man lives and another man dies. The answer to these questions is simply beyond the grasp of any mortal. All I can do is pray for my safety and pray for the safety of my family and crew."

Sig Hansen is reminded daily just how little he controls what goes on in his life. Fifty foot waves, hurricane force winds, rain, snow, and ice are constantly being thrown at him and his fellow fishermen. In Fairfield County, CT, it's easy for us to forget as we sit comfortably in our homes and enjoy modern conveniences. But for us to think that we can control our lives is just as ridiculous as thinking we can control a hurricane.

Fully surrender your life to the Potter, God, our Father. No matter what comes our way, He is powerful, He is in control, and He loves us very much.