In one of his last sermons at Joy, Pastor Ed told the story of a sea rescue team called to head out into a terrible storm and rescue a ship in trouble. A rescue team member noted that the storm was so terrible, they might not make it back. “We don’t have to come back,” says the leader, “but we have to go out.”

I have pondered that message, that call to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. In the wee hours of a sleep deprived plane ride, it occurred to me, that, as Christians – when we “go out” – go out in faith to God’s call – we have already come back. When we, like Peter, step out of the boat to walk on water, keeping our eye on Jesus – that step itself is a miracle. Whether we stand or sink, swim or flail – God asks us to let go and let God.  In stepping out, we have responded. We have answered the call. We step into the loving arms of our savior and God’s sufficient grace. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)

I am captured by, and give thanks for, the paradoxes of faith. On a Via de Cristo / Emmaus Walk weekend I heard, “Act like everything is up to you, because it is. Pray like everything is up to God, because it is.” I am reminded that even following the darkest nights of my soul, in the morning the sun always rises and, miraculously, I see the risen sun and I know the risen Son – in a gift of faith, not of my own doing. In that moment, the situation is not resolved.  There is no cosmic Powerball winning. But I step off the boat, and God catches me and I know that in letting go and letting God it is perfect, it will be perfect, it has been perfect, especially when it isn’t.

Barbara Brown Taylor, writing about why some people seem to get miracles and others don’t, reminds us that the miracle is not what we think it is.  The miracle, especially in the midst of the storm and in the aftermath of the storm, regardless of the outcome, is faith. In this Lenten season, read Matthew 11:28–30, and remember: God loves you unconditionally!

Mike