February 23rd deliberatePeople. post by Phil and Heather Joel + today's dP reading schedule:
Thursday, February 23, 2012 Leviticus 14:1-57 / Mark 6:30-56 / Psalm 40:1-10 / Proverbs 10:11-12
Standout verse:
Mark 6:51-52
“Then He went up into the boat to them and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves because their heart was hardened.”
That very day Jesus had fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish – an unbelievable miracle to witness! The people must have been in a state of mild shock at having experienced such great and supernatural provision. That same night, the disciples were in their boat crossing back over the sea while Jesus remained on the mountain to be in solitude and prayer with the Father. After He had finished, Jesus went to join the disciples. Defying all rules of nature, He walked toward them on the water! He found them in an anxious situation struggling against the strong and threatening winds. When they saw Him, they were terrified and thought He was a ghost. As He approached the boat, immediately the winds ceased. Once again they were amazed by what He had done – once again they were in shock!
Why were they so greatly amazed that the same man they had seen day after day healing hundreds even thousands of people - the blind, demon-possessed, and lame (even raising people from the dead!) - was now walking toward them on the water? Remember, the feeding of the 5,000 had just happened that day!
With each new challenge, each new illness and each new complicated situation that presented itself, the disciples insecurely waited to see what would happen instead of boldly believing, REMEMBERING the power they had experienced countless times and standing in expectant faith watching to see what Jesus would do next.
Jesus is calling us to approach challenges, complicated situations and the unknown with strong and certain faith – even excitement and anticipation about how He will provide, deliver or create.
Let’s approach each new struggle, challenge and cliff-hanger in our lives with great anticipation, wonder and excitement at how the Lord will provide. May we find ourselves saying “Lord, I’ve got no idea what You have in store for this situation, but I stand on Your Word, Your truth and Your past history of abundant provision and I CAN’T WAIT to see what You have planned!”
Reader Comments (1)
Wow, that is good stuff! The Lord has a perfect track record--we can trust Him :) Psalms 40:5 fits well with what you shared, about God's provision and faithfulness. Check this out:
"Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done ; and your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."
God's thoughts toward us are constant and all encompassing--so much that you can't find where they start or where they leave off--they are always there! So if that is true, then it means that God already know our needs before we ask them. He wants us to exercise our muscles of faith and belief--to trust Him and see what He will do next. Awesome :)
I was feeling a bit discouraged, this morning--but this helped me. Thanks for the good word! Have a great day :)