Morning Devotional 103025 The Solid Rock

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

October 30, 2025 

Matthew 14:25-31

25 Very early in the morning he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. 27 Just then Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?”

Good Morning! Praise for the cleansing rain!

As I sit and listen to the rain, I thank God for my blessings. 

When I begin a new venture, I start with great confidence that everything will go as I plan. In the early days, I tackle the inevitable setbacks with perseverance, but as the challenges begin to stack up, I grow weary and begin to doubt if I will complete the task. 

The fire at Rose Park UMC is the foundation for my ministry context. I began my first full-time appointment full of expectations and possibilities. As pastors, we are taught to spend time getting to know our members and the church’s traditions as we settle into our new home. About the time this transition was wrapping up, we had the fire. 

Perhaps this was my Peter experience. I started full of faith that God would guide me as I worked to lead my church through this process. I stepped into the restoration project with both feet and confidently stepped forward. 

The first minor challenges came, and our team overcame them and continued to move forward in faith. Then, more significant obstacles emerged, and I felt our team and I begin to waver a bit. I had some personal doubts, and I began asking God (more than once), “How did I end up in the middle of this?” As my doubts grew, I felt myself sinking into the soot and crumbling bricks surrounding me. 

When I cried out for mercy, God opened a door, and we found someone to help us navigate the construction milieu and lead us toward our goal of restoration. When we call, God is there to pluck us from the deep waters or sinking sand. 

Thanks be to God who provided a firm foundation upon which I can serve others.

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Thank you for your mercy. Help us turn over our worries to you. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: When doubts arise, call on God! 

On Christ the solid rock I stand! All other ground is sinking sand! Pastor Liz