I think we can all attest to the fact that our lives have been interrupted by a series of storms, but out of every dark and stormy gale, the Lord has brought us safely through and over, every time. As we triumphantly came out the last one, we shall, beyond the shadow of a doubt, come through this one also. So very true are the words, of John Newton’s Amazing Grace “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come, ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”
            It is said that the church is always in storms. We are coming out of one to go through another. However, it is comforting to know that the same God that circumnavigated the last storm in our lives remains with us, just as skillful and competent today as He was then, when all hell seemed to have broken loose, and we were tempted even to despair. Things got bad in the last trial, so much so that some of us literally thought we were not going to make it, but the delivering power of Jesus ran interference for us and rescued us. Just in the nick of time Jesus arose and broke the tempestuous winds of darkness sent to drown our faith and to make shipwreck of our lives. Thank God, that same Jesus is with us today, in spite of this raging Coronavirus pandemic, declaring peace and carefully watching over every mother and all who trust in Him during these stormy times.

            Mothers, as we joyfully salute and celebrate you today, may we also encourage you not to make the same mistake as the disciples of Jesus did when they encountered a storm as they journeyed to the other side (Mark 4:35-41). They became so panic-stricken that the Lord had to pointedly question them “. . . why are ye so fearful?” and to further reprove them by asking, “how is it that ye have no faith.” They were so full of fear, that faith completely disappeared.
            Can you imagine a church without faith in the midst of a storm? A church overtaken by fear – stricken with fear, (overwhelmed by fear) – with the Master on board, within a few feet of them, yet they were talking about perishing and going under, when He had already said unto them – “Let us go over (v.35)!” Somehow, they had forgotten His words and the command to go over to the other side. When we forget His words and who He is, we become people of fear instead of people of faith. Fear was so allowed to fester that faith not only was diminished, it disappeared.
Mothers, God bless you today as you refuse to give in to fear and panic, going over to the other side – Fearless and full of faith! The storm is passing over! Hallelujah! Happy Mother’s Day! You are not alone – The Master of the wind, the ruler of the waves, holds your hand and your destiny. Thank you for so fearlessly leading the way!

                                Bishop & Lady Greenaway