We often hear/say to others: "we're just so blessed!" And while this is true in most regards, I have often found myself using this blessed term in regards to:
living comfortable lifestyles
being well-off
being safe & sound
living the "American Dream"
And while none of these are inherently bad, per say, something Jesus has been teaching our family lately is living in, and fully understanding the blessing of God - a lot of times - has to do with surrendering the above list, and fully abiding in His provision.
We've all heard the story of the ominous day on the lake where the Disciples got caught on their boat, in the middle of a gruesome storm. And how, in their fear and discomfort, they looked up to see Jesus walking on the water, out at sea, toward them.
The disciples were confused, still scared, rolling with the waves in their small fishing boat, when Peter cried out to Jesus asking if that was, in fact, Jesus.
Jesus confirmed it was He, and then invited Peter to step out of the boat and walk to him on water, in the midst of the raging sea.
NOW STOP. For Peter to do this was not safe/sound/comfortable (obviously). But He did it. He had immense faith in Jesus, and while the other disciples were too scared to ever do such a thing, Peter got out of the boat and walked to Jesus. Imperfect Peter...who even as He was walking to Jesus, lost his faith for a moment and started to sink, but Jesus, again, lifted him.
You see I find it most profound that Jesus never rebuked the clan of disciples who didn't want to get out of the boat. They were fine to stay. But Peter, in his faith, got to experience the blessing and power of Jesus in a way no other human has since experienced.
And while walking to Jesus, he was still weak and imperfect and needed a Savior as he lost faith and started to sink.
God uses the weak. Amazing.
I believe Jesus is doing BIG WORKS and massive movements for His kingdom all over the world, ever second that passes.
I also believe that He can accomplish such works all by Himself. He is God Almighty.
However, the God of the Universe INVITES US...you and I....to be a part of the great work He is doing. He invites us to partner with Him and be used as a missile of His power to penetrate the hearts of unbelievers and bring them to His Kingdom.
I have realized I can either sit in the boat and watch His work unveil, or get out of the boat, in total surrender and faith, and be a part of His great work...
What a privilege.
What a true blessing.
We only get a short lifetime to be a part of His work on earth before we join Him in His kingdom, yet we find ourselves concerned with menial things like making sure our kids are the best dressed, or that our houses are big and nicely decorated, or that our appearances please those around us...I am guilty of all, and like Peter, fail in my focus time and time again.
But our family has been praying lately to be more like Peter in the sense that we leave our comforts and surrender the safety of the boat for the sake of Jesus and experiencing Him in a way we never could if we clung tight to the boat.
That above list? I believe that is what awaits us in HEAVEN. Those things we long for in terms of security, safety, wealth, prosperity...we will attain those in perfect harmony living with our Savior in a very SHORT while. So why pursue that now, when God is preparing such things for us in Heaven?
(***my dad shared some of this about Peter with Jason and I, 4 years ago when we were making some tough decisions, and since it has grown like wildfire in my soul. It's a scary prayer to pray, but rich in blessing.***)
4 comments:
Jonathan and I have been talking about this concept a lot right now. We are in a season where God has led us to buy this home and settle for a bit. That home needed some work, so we're doing that as cost-effectively as we can (i.e. with our own two hands!), and that takes time and energy. And yet we keep reminding each other that God could call us to walk away from it all four years from now (when Jon's commitment to the practice is over), or it could blow away in a tornado, or whatever...it is not ours to keep, and it's improvement/maintenance needs to be kept in check against our bigger priorities, financially and time wise. AND, we really believe that God led us to this specific house to be used...it isn't big, but it is just perfect for practicing hospitality. We're praying for lots of opportunities to use this space to create the environment for kingdom-building relationships to flourish. Anywho...just sharing some ways we're thinking through that same idea!
leslie that is awesome! thanks for sharing you guys' journey and heart! i don't think it's really about what we have/don't have, if we own small houses/big houses/no house at all...but rather what we are pursuing after and what we make our god. i struggle with this in so many ways on a DAILY basis...trying to surrender things to God that I place before Him. It's so hard yet so rewarding when you find yourself in a place of surrender...it's actually quite peaceful because you don't have to play the comparing game or the worry and have anxiety (that i personally struggle with); i've found surrender = freedom. in regards to housing and such, i read an article on time about a super wealthy follower of Christ that literally built a PALACE. it was incredible. he got judged for using his money on himself by many and whatnot, but he talked about how through that palace, that so much money and entertaining of princes and wealth, generated literally BILLIONS of dollars that was all then used toward kingdom work, and how if he didn't own such an extravagant place, such wealthy people would never filter through. So again, I've been learning it's about following God's lead and whatever you do, making sure you are in the process of continual surrender and pursuit of HIM; and then He leads you as far as you're willing to go for Him - THAT is being TRULY BLESSED!!!!!! who knows, maybe we'll run into each other in the jungle someday :) they are always needing eye doctors!!!!! ha
Such a great post! This is a daily (hourly?) struggle for me. My priorities are typically in reverse of what they should be. Lately, before decisions (big or small) I am asking myself, "Who is this for?" 99% of the time it is either for me or to impress someone else. The American Dream wins time and time again. Thankful for His grace and striving to be more like Peter. :)
I love this and you :)
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