“But he said to them, “ItisI; donotbeafraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:20-21
Jesus had not come back that evening as His disciples waited near the shore. So they decided to take a boat to cross the sea to Capernaum. Soon a gale came upon them and the sea grew very rough. They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water towards them. They were very afraid, but He called out to them to not be afraid. Then they were eager to let Him in the boat and immediately they arrived at their destination.
When we are in a fearful place and don’t know what to do or where to go, we should be reminded Jesus does, and is always there to lead us and guide us. But we must invite Him into our circumstance to take control. Before we know it, Peace is sitting right there beside us as we arrive at His destination with Christ on board.
Lord, you said you will be with us always, in turbulent circumstances and during the calm. Please remind me of this when I am afraid, and things are out of my control. (Psalm 46:1)
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
They say insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. I observed a bird that flew into our caged pool. He kept staying in the same place anxiously trying to get through the same spots on the screen without success. Even though there was an open pathway through the side door, he would not venture from the place he chose as best. I thought, just like this bird, If we are not willing to change and seek a different path we are doomed to repeat our mistakes and stay on a way that leads to death.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12
It reminds me too, how from Noah’s ark a dove left a seemingly secure place to be set free. And as he ventured out, he soon found that resting place, never returning to where he once felt secluded and safe.
And so it seems, much like the dove landing upon Jesus Christ as He sprung forth from the baptismal waters, He was identified as the Christ – God’s Anointed Son, God’s Best and mankind’s Rest.
As I continued observing my little friend, I was saddened by his futile attempts. At times he would discover new places to see if there was a way out, as he frantically flapped his wings, bouncing about.
As he flew up higher to the top of the cage, he met with a feathered friend. Who seemed to want to help him, but he just could not win. I kept asking myself, is he blind? Does he not see his plight, and the door left wide open made ready for his flight? (2 Corinthians 4:4)
JESUS: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4: 17-21
As my husband tried to coach the bird to the door, he panicked even more, and so we resolved, to keep it open and pray he could find the way to the freedom he once knew but somehow ignored.
JESUS: ” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Then I realized like that little bird, we are all lost, we are all blind to the way to the very one who can set us free until we begin to trust. (Isaiah 53:6)
JESUS: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. NIV John 3:16
What keeps one captive, what keeps one lost, what blinds us from the truth – they have netted their own cage through refusing to believe, a persistence of unbelief, ever wanting just something more, just one more proof.
Finally, the little bird found his way out and we never saw him again.
The bird imprisoned, reminded me of how my father came to faith. He would often tell us he was agnostic when I and my siblings witnessed Jesus Christ. There were times we left in tears as he continued to reject whatever we had to say. But through God’s grace, he finally listened, one day.
It was on one of my visits when my father was confined at home, suffering from lung cancer, I witnessed God’s power to persuade. It was during one of our discussions, while my father was resting in his chair, that he suddenly, dozed off without warning, and when he awoke, he spoke of a dream:
” There is this man imprisoned in his house. the doors are locked, the windows barred, and he can’t get out. He cannot get out because he will not believe. “Then my father asked, “Why won’t he believe?
Then, just like the first time, he again dozed off, and when he awoke after just a few seconds he spoke of another dream.
“The man who was locked in the house and could not get out is now walking away on a pathway outside of his house.”
My dad never mentioned to me any association with the dream and himself, yet this dream confirmed to me my dad would indeed one day believe, and be saved.
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17
Approximately two weeks before my father passed away. Our loving and faithful heavenly Father did what only He could do. He sent a hospice nurse to witness his love and salvation everyday while she was there, and she didn’t give up but persisted in sharing God’s Word until my dad said he was ready to accept Jesus Christ
Not many weeks later my father was taken to the hospital because it was becoming more difficult for him to breathe. That night as I stayed with my mother, she expressed grief, not understanding why he had to continue suffering. So we prayed, and asked, if there was no other reason for our dad to remain and the Lord’s work was done, would he please take him to his heavenly home. That morning I awoke to the hospital’s call and was told my father had passed away.
Sometime much later, I reflected upon dad’s dreams. While he remained in his unbelief, he could not find the key that unlocked the door, but when he believed, he was free for evermore.
“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:7-10
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Even when we can not get through to our loved ones of your wonderful salvation, we know you can if we continue to pray and don’t give up. Acts 16:30-31
When the people saw Jesus do the miraculous sign, feeding the thousands, they exclaimed, “Surely he is the prophet we have been expecting!” Jesus saw they were ready to force him to be King so he slipped away into the hills by himself.
Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews and Jesus said, “you have said so”. “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” ( my emphasis) ( John 18:33-37)
Jesus once said, “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” “you will never believe.” And it is so true that we are more prone to believe someone is who they say they are if they do something spectacular or fulfill a need. But Jesus wanted people to believe first of all His Words, as He brought glory to the Father instead of Himself. And that is why when they wanted to make Him King, He slipped away. (John 4:48)
Right from the beginning the devil tempted Him to escape His mission of laying down His life for our salvation by offering Him the Kingdoms of the world. But Jesus came to call those who would believe His Word to be a part of His eternal Kingdom by His blood sacrifice. (Matthew 4: 8-10)
When Jesus told His disciples to partake of His flesh and His blood, many left Him. He then turned to His disciples and asked, “Will you also leave?” Which, Peter replied, where will we go, you have the Words of life.( my emphasis) “(John 6:68
The thief on the cross said as he recognized His King, and His Lord, “remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus responded, ” This day you will be with me in paradise.” For to all who believe His Words, Christ reigns eternal in their hearts. ( my emphasis) (Luke 23:43)
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” Mark 13:22
Genesis 11:1-9, 1 Samuel 15:12
Thank You Lord, for giving all who believe in your salvation, your Holy Spirit so we will know the things to come and will not be deceived, as we submit to your eternal reign in your eternal Kingdom here on earth as you reign in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19
In the aftermath of hurricane Ian our paradise was a mass of devastation, and we were overwhelmed by it all. It almost seemed like a hedge of protection came down when our pool cage and two coconut trees took their fatal fall. The debris of mass destruction was everywhere and it seemed a colossal undertaking for it to be restored. But after many months the new cage erected was stronger than before, and gave not only a panoramic view of the lake but of God’s faithfulness too.
The spiritual warfare brewing in my home left me also feeling defenseless with no answers as how to handle it. As I kept swinging my sword with God’s Word I was met with the devil’s resistance and felt defeated. Then I realized I was dialoguing with the enemy which I soon found I was no match. The onslaught of condemnation weakened my resolve, and when I went down I went down hard.
During the night when I lay frozen in my bed, I would muster a slight whisper, and say, “I still trust you, Lord.” And then the peace would come. I would at times give into the devil’s tactics, looking for any escape offered. There were times I went against my strongest convictions realizing my faith was shallow, no depth at all . Then the Word would remind me of all the examples of the righteous who took their own falls, like Abram fearing the famine ran to Egypt and lied about Sarai , putting her life on the line. Peter who denied Jesus three times after Jesus was arrested. And David who found refuge in the enemy’s camp when he was running from Saul. Jonah who tried to escape God’s will, ended up in a fish’s belly before repenting and answering the call. Moses who got angry, striking the rock instead of speaking so the water would flow. Joseph who shared a dream and ended up in a pit. Job who thought he had it figured out but realized after much suffering, he really didn’t know God at all. Elijah running from Jezebel after calling fire from heaven, running in fear hid in a cave until he heard God’s small still voice. But God knew of their weakness and was sovereign and in control of it all. Once He revealed to me at best I was hypocritical, cowardly, and lacked integrity when it came to witnessing His love. But nevertheless, He would complete the work He started in me and I would recover from it all.
When I thought I could no longer stand it I heard God say,“Am I not in control and sovereign over everything?” Yes, Lord. Then again I heard His small still voice say, nothing more than, “Believe I am for you.” It was straight forward without any emotion, just a call to believe in the midst of the most intense trial to believe He was in me, with me and for me , that’s all .
Two years prior I was in a different type of war. I had covid, was receiving satanic messages on my blog and allowing the devil’s condemnation for something I did wrong. The Lord did not deliver me by any miraculous sign nor did I see a vision or have a dream, no, not at all, it was only His Word I recalled. “If God is for me who can be against me.” “No weapon formed against me will prosper.” “Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world.” “Therefore, there is no longer any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”. God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called for His purpose.”
After remembering His Words, I spoke them, got up praising and dancing in triumph over my enemy.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Like David, consequences I have to suffer, but the Lord remains the same, His unconditional love is always there to help me sustain, holding me by His right hand, again and again. (Isaiah 41:13)
It is always when I confess I lack knowledge, strength, and even enough faith, and say, ” I will wait for the Lord”, He makes a way in the wilderness, streams in the deserts and makes everything new again.
In this present crisis, I have no answer, but to “wait on the Lord.’ I know like the new pool cage, with its panoramic view, I can see more clearly His mercies are new each and every day. And as I trust in His faithfulness, I am also more alert to His ways.
Thank You Lord, for your Word is Truth and you are steadfast in all your faithfulness.
“So Jesus explained, I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing.”
The Jewish leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath because He healed a man on that day and called God His Father. Jesus said the Father and I are always working and He does nothing except what He sees the Father doing, and greater works will they see.
Jesus always gave the glory to God and said He only does the Father’s will and they are always working together. So it seems, if Jesus did not go out and do anything without consulting His Father, can we do less? Many times I’ve taken the initiative to do something seemingly that was good without prayer, and wondered why it didn’t turn out so good or the way I thought. But just recently, I’ve gotten serious about waiting on God’s direction before going out on my own. I am by nature, impulsive, impetuous, and eager to do something because it makes me uncomfortable to wait. But there are many examples how Christ’s disciples did not go out until first they received the power from on high, the promise of His Holy Spirit. Then, they waited upon the promptings and directions from the Holy Spirit in doing His perfect will.. I think how Phillip was directed to help the Eunuch who was reading the scriptures about Christ, and Paul was told where to go and what to expect in preaching the gospel.
Just recently, I’ve been more intune in hearing the Lord’s voice as a trial has caused me to draw closer in prayer. In two situations, I received the Lord’s peace to speak, and then wait for His timing. In hearing His voice I was confident that what I was to say was His will, and He opened up the way and it was easy and affirming to me. Now I take every decision I am about to make first to the Lord and wait for His promptings, His open door, and His wisdom which is full of Peace and good fruits.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
“How can you experience God? You can wait on the Holy Spirit to assure you that the words you speak, the decisions you make, and the actions you undertake are right in His sight. He will make Himself known to you if you put yourself in a position before Him to listen to Him and wait for His guidance.” Charles Stanley
From his book: Can You Still Trust God?
Lord, may I always be cognisant of your voice and your perfect way, as I wait on you each and every day.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Context: John 5: 1-47 Focus: John 5: 1-15 “Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:8
In this event Jesus visits Bethesda in Jerusalem, where the sick and lame come to be healed. He sees a man who’s been an invalid for thirty eight years and asks if he wants to be well. The man immediately responds that when the water is stirred there is no one to carry him to the pool, and he is unable to go there. “Jesus then says with all authority, ” Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk.” The man does as Jesus says, and he is healed.
Upon reflection of this event I saw how Jesus was building up this man’s confidence to believe he could be healed. He didn’t say “Walk”, but first told him to stand, then pick up his mat , then walk. With the first action, he must have been amazed he could stand, which gave him the confidence to pick up his mat, and receive his healing by moving forward. I thought of how Jesus spoke with authority, it was a command, and the lame man had the option of obeying or remaining seated, feeling hopeless, waiting maybe for someone to do something. But Jesus was telling him to do something. This seems to be a pattern with some of the healings that took place. On one occasion, Jesus made mud and placing it on a blind man’s eyes, told him to go wash them in the pool of Siloam. Another time ten lepers were healed when Jesus told them to just show themselves to the priests. And Lazarus was raised from the dead when Jesus said, “Lazarus come out!” I also recall how a lame man was healed by one of Jesus’ disciples, when Peter said, “Look at us!, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” he then lifted him up by grabbing his hand and in that instant, his lame feet were healed and he went forth jumping and leaping for joy. ( Acts 3: 1-8)
In each of these examples the command was paraphrased to “rise up”, leave your circumstance behind, trust God at His Word, and move forward.
I’ve had few physical ailments that made me immobile, but I’ve suffered from emotional stress and periods of depression which virtually left me feeling hopeless, stewing in my circumstance and unable to move from my bed. I would often over analyze the situation and create my own net, while the enemy would throw his darts, as I laid submissively, down for the count. But when I’d remember God’s faithfulness and His Word, I would quietly say, “I still trust you, Lord”, Oh the mercy of God that He would recognize the first inkling of faith and run to us with open arms and a strong hand to pull us up. As soon as my confession leaves my lips, I feel my emotions quieting, and His Peace encompassing me about. My mind soon rallys, and as I move away from my pity party, I move forward, trusting the Lord, for my circumstance.
The Lord has taught me His Peace is a choice, as His deliverance and healings are also. I could choose to believe what the enemy was saying or believe His Word, and so it is when I choose His Word, I get enough strength to change my posture from lying down to moving forward in Him.
Lord, always remind me of your faithfulness of your Word and your presence whenever my circumstance overwhelms me. Thank you for always being there with me and at all times.
” Just walk away, don’t give it the time of day.”, my Lord said to me one day, as I felt His Peace and began to soar. (Isaiah 40: 30-31)
