Pastor's Corner: Open the eyes of my heart

Here comes the bride, all dressed and white … Congratulations to Santiago and Kristy! At their wedding, I told them, “You’ve actually made my year!” It really was a very beautiful day.

In the midst of hate and chaos, their wedding demonstrated a beautiful love and sense of order that I believe God was well pleased. While things may crumble all around us, the love of God still builds and rises in the midst. Many people will remember all of the negativity and ugliness of 2020. However, Santiago and Kristy will remember the beauty of this year found in the bond of love. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks!”

Lord, let me have a thankful heart. Open the eyes of my heart to see the love and beauty of God in the midst of every circumstance. One day, Jesus was walking on the water and saw his disciples toiling and rowing painfully on the sea, for the wind was against them, and he was about to pass them by. When they saw Jesus, they cried out and were terrified, for they did not recognize him and thought he was a ghost. Jesus said, Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid. Jesus got in the boat with them, the wind ceased, and they were astounded. Why? They did not consider the miracle of the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.

Preceding this story, Jesus had performed an incredible miracle. He took just five loaves and two fishes and fed 5,000 people. His disciples witnessed this firsthand but somehow their hearts were hardened by the fear of the storm. They did not remember what Jesus had just performed in their lives (Mark 4). Just like in the days of Moses when God provided his people with manna and quail, they became unthankful because of the negative circumstances all around them.

I want to see and remember the love of God during the times of blessings, that I may see and remember the love of God during the storms of my life. 2020 has definitely been a turbulent and tempestuous year. Nevertheless, I am very thankful for another day of life, for my family, for the beauty I see in ashes, for the provision I see in famine, for the light I see in darkness, for the comfort I see in sorrow, and for the love of God I see in the midst of it all!

Frank Cabrera is pastor of Truth Church in Shafter.