This past Sunday Pastor Jason mentioned that his wife Deborah encouraged their small group with the idea of “God winks” or moments where God touches our lives as if to say, “I see you. I value you. I know what you’re going through.”
I had a few of those moments this week. God is so kind. It’s also been a really hard week, and I think He knew I needed those “God winks”.
Sometimes the anxiety I battle takes over like a storm, and God knows what I will face before I face it. This week I made some decisions out of fear. Like Peter, in the middle of the storm…I looked down at the waves, rather than keeping my eyes on Him. The moment I looked down, I started to sink.
It was a very unsettling feeling. It’s hard to describe but I started losing trust in myself and my ability to walk the narrow road...maybe you know what that feels like?
As I spent some time processing with the Lord, He reassured me that even when Peter sank, it never stopped Jesus from immediately reaching down to save him.
In Matthew chapter 14 it says, “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. (Matthew 14:29-31, NIV)
Immediate help. No hesitation.
Our failures do not disqualify us from yet another saving, yet another act His love.
The very next morning after struggling with the anxiety, God gave me this verse:
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)
He knew I needed to rise again, or get back up…so He sent a verse to remind me to do just that.
Later on in the week, I was writing and putting together materials for the prayer class at our church. I asked the Lord, “Can you please show me what to say? I have no clue and need your help!”
The very next day a friend handed me a book on listening prayer…the very topic of the prayer class.
The “winks” and “hugs” from God keep coming. And my prayer for you this week is that you will slow down enough to notice His beautiful hand in your life.
What is He trying to show you?
How has He supported you, comforted you, or held you up when you felt like you were failing?
It’s those God winks that keep me going; that give me a sense that He really is “a present help in times of trouble.”
There might be anxiety this week, but there will also be moments of joy, beauty and praise. I can’t discount them just because I face the storm. We must live through both, holding on to the hope that He will continue to show Himself to us through each and every sinking wave.
Look for those God winks this week, sweet friend. And like Deborah said…don’t forget to write them down!
I had a few of those moments this week. God is so kind. It’s also been a really hard week, and I think He knew I needed those “God winks”.
Sometimes the anxiety I battle takes over like a storm, and God knows what I will face before I face it. This week I made some decisions out of fear. Like Peter, in the middle of the storm…I looked down at the waves, rather than keeping my eyes on Him. The moment I looked down, I started to sink.
It was a very unsettling feeling. It’s hard to describe but I started losing trust in myself and my ability to walk the narrow road...maybe you know what that feels like?
As I spent some time processing with the Lord, He reassured me that even when Peter sank, it never stopped Jesus from immediately reaching down to save him.
In Matthew chapter 14 it says, “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. (Matthew 14:29-31, NIV)
Immediate help. No hesitation.
Our failures do not disqualify us from yet another saving, yet another act His love.
The very next morning after struggling with the anxiety, God gave me this verse:
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)
He knew I needed to rise again, or get back up…so He sent a verse to remind me to do just that.
Later on in the week, I was writing and putting together materials for the prayer class at our church. I asked the Lord, “Can you please show me what to say? I have no clue and need your help!”
The very next day a friend handed me a book on listening prayer…the very topic of the prayer class.
The “winks” and “hugs” from God keep coming. And my prayer for you this week is that you will slow down enough to notice His beautiful hand in your life.
What is He trying to show you?
How has He supported you, comforted you, or held you up when you felt like you were failing?
It’s those God winks that keep me going; that give me a sense that He really is “a present help in times of trouble.”
There might be anxiety this week, but there will also be moments of joy, beauty and praise. I can’t discount them just because I face the storm. We must live through both, holding on to the hope that He will continue to show Himself to us through each and every sinking wave.
Look for those God winks this week, sweet friend. And like Deborah said…don’t forget to write them down!
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.