I love this painting by Danny Hahlbohm. It conveys Jesus helping a sailor get to safe harbor in the midst of a storm. It reminds me that:

Sometimes Jesus calms the storm; sometimes He calms the sailor.

My brother-in-law, Bruce Ray, is competent sailor and would probably tell me that when your sails are down you are at the mercy of the waves. That’s where we are. The storm still rages, our sails are mostly down, and yet our boat is still in the water being propelled to safe harbor by God’s gentle hand.

To us, this has been a practical demonstration of God’s power and grace. He has allowed me to complete a walking ‘marathon’ (26 miles) since being admitted, even with chemo burned feet. He has given me a good appetite despite upset GI tract and heartburn. Having experienced daily headaches all my adult life, I’ve had only four since my diagnosis. Even though my immune system is dead and I’m waiting for my donor’s immune system to kick in, I remain healthy, alert, with more energy than should be expected, and a reminder to always live “on mission.” All this speaks to how practical and true God’s Word is for every situation. Sometimes, the storm continues but the sailor is calmed.

Here’s a shout of thanks to the anonymous donors who made possible my transfusions of blood yesterday and platelets today!

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20