Sister Tarpley: Things to Ponder

Seeing the Works of God – Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord…. – Psalm 107:23-24a

When you were a child, perhaps you may have gone to the ocean for a vacation. I recall wading out until the waves began crashing on my knees. As long as I could stand firm, the waves were of no concern to me.

However, as I moved farther and farther into the ocean, I had less control over my ability to stand. Sometimes the current was so strong it moved me down the beach and I even lost my bearings at times. But I have never gone so far into the ocean that I was not able to control the situation.

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn’t seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God.

At times God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works; as with the coronavirus disease.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for 17 years. Rejection by his brothers, enslavement to Pharaoh, and imprisonment were the deep waters for Joseph.

During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years. The deepwater was preparation for a task that was so great he never could have imagined it.

He was to see God’s works more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a 30-year-old to mess it up. So God took Joseph through the deep waters of preparation to ensure that he would survive what he was about to face.

Pride normally engulfs such young servants who have such access to power at such a young age. If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason.

The greater the calling, the deeper the water; all that you need do is just trust in God’s knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life.

I did a little house cleaning last week, I threw out Worry – It was getting old and in the way. It kept me from being me, I couldn’t do things God’s way.

I threw out those Inhibitions – They were just crowding God out. I made room for my new growth and got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on My Pass Old Grudges – It’s not a good book to read anyway. I replaced it with a new book, called Forgive & Forget. I must take time and start reading it today.

I threw out my whining and complaining; oh how I treasured them so. Got me a New Philosophy too! I threw out the one that didn’t agree with God from long ago.

Then I brought in some new books that are called I Can, I Will, and I Must. Threw out the words, I Might, I Think and I Ought. Wow, you should see the dust!

I asked, Jesus to helped me to do some cleaning and He added some things Himself; like Prayer, Hope, and Faith. Oh yes, I really like His style.

I picked up something special and I placed it at the door—It’s called God’s PEACE. Nothing will get me down anymore.

Yes, I got my house looking good—it looks great around this place. For things like Worry, Trouble, and Grudger, there’s just no place for them.

It’s good to do a little house cleaning. Get rid of old things on the shelf. It sure makes things brighter—Maybe you should try it yourself! Author Unknown