Is it You? In His Word
10-16-18
Sometimes God sends us on a
trip, or an outing, or even to a job and we go about our business not thinking
if it’s of God or not; we just do it. Then other times we stop and take note
because He steps up in front of us and shows us something we clearly do not
understand in our humanness but then…He shows us we can overcome the mere human
aspects if we just know, or believe that He is calling us and trust Him.
Immediately Jesus made His
disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent
the multitudes away. And when He
had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to
pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat
was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was
contrary. Matthew 22-24
Jesus went off
to pray and send his leadership team off on a job; to go before Him to th other
side of the sea. They were on a watch so we know they were most likely fishing;
doing their job that paid their way. At the same time they were doing what God
told them to do.
“Do the thing, and then
meet me over there…”
How many times
has God given people something to do then they had to go and do it seemingly
with out Him present and yet He shows up?
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking
on the sea. And when the disciples saw
Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And
they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer!It is I; do not
be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord,
if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
Matthew 14:25-28
We say, okay
God and we go! Then what happens confuses us then amazes us. We generally can
run into a huge pile of mess that we did not expect and then God shows us how
to get out of it.
Recently I went
too see my son at his Family Weekend at College. I made the reservations at the
University’s Hotel, thought I chose my room so 2-4 people could fit there and
planned for a sunny weekend! We thought
there could be a little shower of rain so we brought clothing that would be
acceptable for layers.
I planned to
have a second or third driver so that if I was tired I could have a back up
driver. Though I really just needed someone to sit in the car with me so I did
not feel alone on my drive.
My co-pilot, as
I called the other person had an injury and was unable to drive but could ride
along just the same. It was nice to have
people in the car, so even though I drove there the whole way I was okay.
Due to the
injury the ride took longer than planned and yet God kept me alert as I had
prayed prior to the trip. The road was clear and dry and it was beautiful all
day!
Then, I let my
guard down as we got to the hotel. Apparently I had clicked a smaller room. They
wanted to charge us more to bring in an extra bed, but I was worried it would not
be enough, there were three of us then. But, I had prayed prior t the trip that
all would go according to His plan; I had to trust that it was God and asked
Him to work it out His way. I took the airbed they provided and they never had
me sign to pay for it. They had run out of roll away beds. I slept so well,
better than I would have in a larger be possibly!
So He said, “Come.” And
when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to
Jesus. But when he saw [e]that the wind was boisterous,
he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 29-20
I awoke thinking how nice it would be. I rested well, the sun was
shining. Even the coffee was already set up an hour earlier than they normally
had it in the past. I sat and read my Bible and enjoyed the time I had in
solitude with my God. The weather app
said 40 % chance of rain, I was okay with that, we could have a quick indoor
time and then go out door or visa versa it would be fun still! But then, the
sun left and clouds came in… 70 %, then 90 % jumped up on my phone! It was now
a torrential down pour with flash flood warnings!
I admit it, just like Peter, I stressed out! How would we have fun
and enjoy the visit with my son if it was this crazy weather? How could this
event even happen? Would they be able to still drive us around on campus?
I was reminded by the Holy Spirit that our steps were ordered of
the Lord, I prayed and accepted it would be what it would be.
The rain let up, we drove over to campus hoping to catch a golf
cart shuttle to the parent area after parking… but my friend could not walk if
it did not come, they suggested dropping her off at the end of a walk and I
could not do that it was too far so God gave me boldness to try to get as close
as I could! I went right to the building we needed and dropped my guests there!
Perfectly! I went back to park. That did not happen on campus; due to the rain
everyone had driven over! I drove around almost every parking garage. They were
packed.
I prayed and decided to go back and take the hotel shuttle and
enjoyed a little walk in sprinkles and splashes! It was beautiful for this
woman who grew up in the Pacific North West and now lived in sunny
California! I loved it! I was walking on
water!
Then it got stressful again as the injured friend needed rest to
reduce pain. The rain came down in sheets I referred to as ‘horses and cows’ in
comparison to ‘cats and dogs’! While talking about the need for a mini shuttle
to get to the hotel shuttle so we could get her back to rest I stood in the drenching rain
a few minutes seeing it get even more flooded in the streets; I just
The rain was slower, the ground water receded and the driver came
to dry off the cart!
I was walking with Jesus! We made do with what we had and trusted
God to get us where we needed to go, got special preferences due to her injury
and we had a good amount of time to visit even. I able to have a good visit
with my son over his afternoon meal and see him in a play that was amazing!
When we drove home, it took a really long time again but it was
great! We fellow-shipped in the Lord for part of our time and just plane enjoyed
the ride the best we could in others but it was calm. Sunny weather!
And
immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and
said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when
they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those
who were in the boat [f]came and worshiped Him, saying,
“Truly You are the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33
It is funny but
in the midst of the storm we may stress, when we see things not as calm as we
think they should be, we panic, just as Peter. Then we see His extended hand
and we grab it! Then there is peace; amazing unbelievable amounts of peace!
Dear Heavenly
Father, Thank you for being there with us in the storm, and in the unusual
circumstances. Thank you that you are able to help us do more than we could
imagine when we just trust you to take the control, and walk with You over it
all! In Jesus name, amen.
Suggested reading: Matthew 14:1-36,
Matthew 16:1-27, and Psalm 18:1-50