There are many things I am afraid of:
As I was preparing for Lifegroup this week, I was thinking of these fears a lot. The study? The miracle of Jesus walking on the water. (John 6:16-21)
Meet the disciples, on a boat, about three and half miles out on the Sea of Galilee. This alone, would be terrifying to me. It's dark, Jesus is no where to be seen, so they start the journey across the sea. And then it hits: a terrible, awful storm. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
The disciples are doing everything they know to do, to get through it. Some of these guys are fishermen, who have gone through all sorts of rough waters. These guys were spent. Tired. Wet. Afraid. Mark Batterson says in The Grave Robber to imagine the sinking fear coupled with futility.
They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. Folks, miracles don't happen when things are hunky-dory. They don't happen in the safe bubble. Batterson says miracles happen when Jesus shows up and shows off.
But he said to them: "It is I; don't be afraid." Hey guys, remember me? I am right here. I didn't leave you.
***
Through the storms, when we are really afraid and we aren't sure how we will survive or how it will work out: God is there. He does not leave us. When things are at their worse, and God shows up: this is where the miracles live. I've got some storms brewing. Our finances. Family. Work. Everything. It all ebbs and flows the same as any other household. We are always working through one thing or the other. "We" being my husband and I. But, I find often that I forget that God gave me this great partner, who can handle stress better than me. I take it all in, soaking it in like a sponge but left feeling dry and empty. I hold on the idea that I must be brave, I must conquer, I must know it all and handle things perfectly.
It doesn't happen.
I am always messing things up. I get grouchy. I say the wrong things. I worry. I take on too much, and get exhausted. I forget to rest, to enjoy, to seek the beauty around me. So, I try to avoid the hard stuff AND the fun stuff in an attempt to find some balance or peace that will make feel less disappointing to others or less angry towards others.
Its not the best thing to do.
Relationships are strained. I am not happy. Its a vicious cycle I desperately want to get out of. I feel like the lone person on the boat, being tossed around. I must recognize all the miracles God is doing in my life and give my praises to Him.
- Driving on tall bridges - I worry I will get scooped up by the wind and thrown into the water OR that I will accidentally drive through the barrier.
- Swimming in deep waters.
- Jumping off of tall things.
- Snakes.
- Being made a fool of.
- Seeing a police car when I know I am slightly over the speed limit.
- Being rejected.
- When I was in middle school/high school/college: talking to boys.
- Being chased by dogs.
- Driving in icy or inclement weather, including heavy rains.
As I was preparing for Lifegroup this week, I was thinking of these fears a lot. The study? The miracle of Jesus walking on the water. (John 6:16-21)
Meet the disciples, on a boat, about three and half miles out on the Sea of Galilee. This alone, would be terrifying to me. It's dark, Jesus is no where to be seen, so they start the journey across the sea. And then it hits: a terrible, awful storm. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
The disciples are doing everything they know to do, to get through it. Some of these guys are fishermen, who have gone through all sorts of rough waters. These guys were spent. Tired. Wet. Afraid. Mark Batterson says in The Grave Robber to imagine the sinking fear coupled with futility.
They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. Folks, miracles don't happen when things are hunky-dory. They don't happen in the safe bubble. Batterson says miracles happen when Jesus shows up and shows off.
But he said to them: "It is I; don't be afraid." Hey guys, remember me? I am right here. I didn't leave you.
***
Through the storms, when we are really afraid and we aren't sure how we will survive or how it will work out: God is there. He does not leave us. When things are at their worse, and God shows up: this is where the miracles live. I've got some storms brewing. Our finances. Family. Work. Everything. It all ebbs and flows the same as any other household. We are always working through one thing or the other. "We" being my husband and I. But, I find often that I forget that God gave me this great partner, who can handle stress better than me. I take it all in, soaking it in like a sponge but left feeling dry and empty. I hold on the idea that I must be brave, I must conquer, I must know it all and handle things perfectly.
It doesn't happen.
I am always messing things up. I get grouchy. I say the wrong things. I worry. I take on too much, and get exhausted. I forget to rest, to enjoy, to seek the beauty around me. So, I try to avoid the hard stuff AND the fun stuff in an attempt to find some balance or peace that will make feel less disappointing to others or less angry towards others.
Its not the best thing to do.
Relationships are strained. I am not happy. Its a vicious cycle I desperately want to get out of. I feel like the lone person on the boat, being tossed around. I must recognize all the miracles God is doing in my life and give my praises to Him.
RSS Feed