Comments on: Shipwreck

By: Shirley

Shirley — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:47:20 +0000

Todd,
Other than your story kinda sounded like it was out of a Stephanie Plum novel, it seems pretty obvious you got to live that frustrating adventure because it played right into the theme you were teaching. Maybe you might be happy it wasn’t Jonah and the whale, or Job: I’ve heard you say Job scares you a little. Yeah, when you consider, I’m thinkin’ a simple shipwreck theme isn’t such a bad thing.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get all stressed out when I am having one of those days; but in the end, it usually works out, and if one is a teacher and storyteller, we have to get our material from somewhere, right?!
BTW, stressed is desserts backwards. Whenever I’m stressed, I start asking what fruit (dessert) will it yield? It is making me a better student. Maybe.
Thanks for sharing your story. I, for one, needed to hear it today.

By: becca

becca — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:54:19 +0000

Hey Todd

I think we all can identify with the kind of week you had to some degree of another,,,,I do agree that the circumsta
nces are not nearly as important as our reaction to them and how it seems easier after the fog has cleared so to speak to realize how we should respond. I had a situation arise this week in my own life that turned out better than i had dared to hope for and afterwards someone said Isnt God good? I responded then that yes he was and would still have been even if things didnt turn out so well…i realized then i had forgotten that fact, it is so reassuring to me that others struggle sometimes with their faith and yet God is Still full of grace and forgiveness even in our lack of Faith….thank you for sharing your struggles with us, so we too may be strenghthened…..I knoe God is blessing you…hope this week teaches you another great truth to share with us!

By: PJ

PJ — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:38:41 +0000

God is using you in a powerful way, and Satan wants it to stop. Sorry you’re having to go through such struggles, but like you said, it’s not unexpected. Press on! Praying for the seeds that were planted last week in camp fell on fertile soil, that Satan will not be allowed to snatch them away, that distractions will not choke them out, but that God will water them and they’ll grow into the crop He desires.

By: Rick

Rick — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:14:58 +0000

Todd,

Just wanted to let you know that camp was awesome this week. The kids in our youth group talked about what God had done all the way back to Kentucky. They really want to be “Unstoppable”. Thanks for your music, your willingness to preach the Word, and for the sacrifice of your time away from family. God is using you to make a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to the next time our paths cross. (Maybe at Cici’s again) Until then I will lift you up in prayer. God Bless.

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:22:20 +0000

Todd,

I was a chaperone at the FLIP camp 3 weeks ago and was so blessed by your worship and David Platt’s messages. So here I am preparing to teach Sunday School tomorrow and we are in Isaiah 6 which of course brought me right to your song. I came to your website looking for a video of this song and read your harrowing ordeal from yesterday and just wanted to say God bless you in all that you do. The struggles and sacrifices that you make in His name are so worth it. To see the difference in what the Lord has done in my life and especially my 16 yr old son through the Lord working through you and David are just two of many testimonies of what He can do when we allow Him to work through us. Thank you for heading His call.

By: Joy

Joy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:36:55 +0000

Thanks for sharing that, Todd.
“I believe, help me in my unbelief. I rejoice, help me in my lack of joy.”
You hit the nail perfectly.

By: Brenda Branson

Brenda Branson — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Hey my brother, I’m not at all surprised at the circumstances which “shipwrecked” your plans. When God allows you to teach others, you often then become the student, living out the very things you taught. It’s funny how trials and struggle are the very things that strengthen your faith and deepen your joy–of course, not when you’re right in the middle of the frey, but when you look back and see how God was at work. Makes me think of the circles on a cross-section of a redwood tree. Each one represents a season of life, a struggle, a joy; and in the passing of time the tree grows stronger and taller, evidenced by the number of circles when it is cut down. I love the way James describes it: “The testing of your faith produces steadfastness . . . we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 1:2-4; 5:10-11 ESV) Be blessed, dear brother, when you finally see the purpose of the Lord.

By: jana hollis

jana hollis — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I can totally relate to such unexpected situation’s. Within the last month my husband got laid off, my son was in a motorcycle accident by hitting a deer, I accidently ran over my son’s dog( just his paw). I started a different position in my job that is requring me to work 10 hr day’s. There is alot more but I think you get the gest. Anyway, I praise God though he is ALWAY’S there when I need him. My husband was able to get another job. My son did not break anything just has a swollen knee. The dog is fine. I am so thankful that I have a job. I always try to look at situation’s as though it could be worse and knowing that God is with me help’s !! Paul is one of the first people I want to meet when I go to heaven as I admired him so!

By: Joella

Joella — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:05:14 +0000

Todd,
I not much of a write but everyday we need to have OurSavior walk with us and help us through each day. I am so sorry you had such bad luck. But just think you have a message about how you like Paul waited and God be in control of your day.

blessings
joella