“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Today I woke up in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. The weather was cool but the sun was shining, just the way I like it. The water was smooth as glass, and there was not a soul in sight. It was just me and my Creator.
“Why, today will be a fine day, Lord.” I shaded my eyes and looked up.
“Yes it will,” He answered. “But, be careful. The sea can be unpredictable.”
“What?” I said, not listening, but turning to look around. “Oh look over there at the fish jumping—catching flies—and . . . look at that! That bird just swooped down and got the fish.” I laughed with delight. “I know what I’ll be doing later today. I’m going to work and then go to my Agape group tonight after I cook dinner for my family. What do You think?”
Before He answered, the sea rose and waves rocked my boat. I turned to paddle my craft toward smoother waters, again without waiting for Him to answer. “There, much better,” I said. With a smile I turned back to my Companion. “Lord, this morning in your word I read:
“For He will complete what He appoints for me, and many such things are in His mind.” Job 23:14
“Can you tell me what you’ve prepared so I can be ready?” He smiled and shook His head. “One moment at a time, dear child. The journey is part of what helps your faith to grow.”
“Why can’t you complete the good work now?” No sooner were the words out of my mouth than a big wave almost capsized my little boat. I turned away—looking ahead—and found that I now had only one paddle.
“Let me help you,” He said from behind me.
“No, no, I got this!” I felt Him sit down again. I strained, and managed to get the boat away from the big waves.
I let out a huge sigh and turned again to my Lord, but before I could open my mouth again, it started to rain . . . then pour . . . and then lightning. Again I turned, paddling furiously with my one paddle . . . until it fell into the water, too. The boat started to turn round and round, pitching to and fro. I sat frozen, unable to move or speak. I felt paralyzed, unable to think. Then I remembered this scripture.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
Without turning around, I whispered into the wind. “Sweet Jesus, please help me”
“PEACE, BE STILL,” He commanded. Instantly, the lake became clear as glass and the sun shone in a cloudless sky.
I turned to Him then and said, “Please take my day out of my hands. I don’t want to control. Please forgive me. Being in your presence is enough for me”
Obviously this is fiction . . . or, is it? How many times do we want to know the end of a thing before we begin? We start the day with minds full of our to-do list, and don’t take the time to pray. Sometimes we pray asking for help and then we think we have to give God a hand. REALLY? Take the time to thank God because He’s got you, child of God.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 & 24
By Eve Montano