Even If He Passes By

Reflecting this evening on a phrase in Mark, chapter 6, verse 48. It's the familiar account of Jesus walking on the water, and the corresponding passage in Matthew 14, where Peter attempts to walk on the water out to Jesus. The disciples hadn't recognized Him and were frightened.

The phrase that arrests my attention is when Jesus was walking out to them as the waves grew rough-- "and He intended to pass by them." Why pass by them? Why not be walking out to save them from their distress? I think both were necessary. At this moment, it's not about the disciples. It's about Jesus and the authority that He has over the tumultuous situation.

I think most of us have the tendency to think that Jesus is supposed to calm all of the distresses that we find ourselves in. He can and often does. But at this moment with the disciples, and in many of our own moments, it's about recognizing the authority and power of Jesus Himself. It's all about Him.

It's not about what miracle can He perform for them, for me, to get us out of the chaos brought on by this fallen world. It's about our need to see who Jesus is, to see that He is, indeed, the Son of God. The disciples recognized that after they saw His power.  

And those who were in the boat worshiped Him saying,  

"You are certainly God's Son!" 

~Matthew 14:33

So I ask myself--Am I a Jesus follower because of what He can do for me? Or do I follow Him because of who He is and the authority that He has over all creation, including me? If it's about me, I'll be disillusioned when He doesn't respond the way I expect, when I don't feel benefited, or when I go through tumultuous times. Life has meaning only as it relates to knowing Him and His character and attributes--for that is how I find peace and calm in the midst of this broken, fallen world.

Even if He passes by--so that I may understand Him and life more fully. For one of the things I know is that He cares for me.

I do hope you know Him and shall see Him someday face to face. I hope I see you over there.

Painting ~ Leisure Hours 1863, Philip Hermogenes Calderon 1833-1898

Walking Peacefully

I'm re-reading a book that I need right now — Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I have several of her books, and I recommend her writings to you. These are troubling times, yet a time filled with hope and expectation. I'm reminding myself to trust God in the midst of it all, as He works for our good and for His glory.

Why does God delight in helping us to become trusting children, filled with peace and confidence, children who lean on His strength? Because when He changes hearts like ours into hearts like His, He receives praise and glory. When we discover that we're able to walk peacefully through conditions that formerly terrified us, our hearts will overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving — and that brings joy to God. Only He can change hearts that are frequently overwhelmed by fear into hearts that are overshadowed by His power and bravery, and it's His delight to do so.

~ Elyse Fitzpatrick

Trusting...Turning...Going On

One of my longstanding desires has been denied. 

A good, biblical desire. 

One that would be favorable in God's eyes, I'm sure. 

I've been watching it slip from view year after year.

 It's odd to me, but now that I know it is not to be, I feel released from it. 

God has something else for me and is turning my heart toward that. 

Perhaps God's denial has been a 'severe mercy,' as Elisabeth Elliot might call it. 

And so... I trust... and turn... and go on.

God never withholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good.  God's refusals are always merciful – 'severe mercies' at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our heart's desire except to give us something better.

~ Elisabeth Elliot 

Painting ~ The Young Shepherdess 1885, William Adolphe Bouguereau 1825-1905
Wiki Commons public domain

August in the Book Nook

I've been working on a bulletin insert today for the Book Nook at church. Thought I'd share some brief highlights with you.

Changed Into His Image

Jim Berg helps us see ourselves as we are, the first step in biblical change. This is practical help on how transforming the mind can change our sinful disposition. Not just any change, but biblical change into the image of Christ. This is not change that we can make on our own, but change that God does hold us responsible to make. It’s about thinking correctly, about heart change.

Joyfully at Home: A Book for Young Ladies on Vision and Hope

Twenty-year-old Jasmine Baucham writes, “I want to encourage young women to shift their focus, to turn their hearts towards the home, to be enthusiastic and vibrant, purposeful and driven, meticulous and passionately focused….I want them to grasp the bigger picture: A vision for the home as hub of ministry and discipleship, as training ground for life ahead, as a place where they can bless those nearest and dearest to them, and as a result, turn that blessing outward toward others in their church and community.”

 

 

Sacred Marriage

Gary Thomas asks, “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?”  This is not a book that tells us how to manipulate our words and actions so we can ultimately get what we want out of marriage. It’s a book that provides a biblical basis for how our marriage can help us know God, our spouse, and ourselves in ways that are sanctifying and, ultimately, satisfying.  

 

Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts It’s hardest to trust God when life hurts. Jerry Bridges shows us God’s sovereignty—that He is working all things for His glory and for our good, in tandem.  Always. Not only is He sovereign, but He is wise and loving. "Trust is not a passive state of mind. It is a vigorous act of the soul by which we choose to lay hold on the promises of God and cling to them despite the adversity that at times seeks to overwhelms us."