This year, 2019, has been filled with deadlines, disappointments, and distractions. Every time I finish one pressing project another one pops up. All of them demanding my attention. Now, don’t get me wrong, the deadlines are good things and a fulfillment of God’s promises. But sometimes I allow the distractions and disappointments to overshadow the dream.
Yesterday, I discovered I am missing some much needed paperwork for my next deadline. This morning at 3:47 am, my eyes were wide open, my mind racing playing all of the different scenarios in my mind. What if I can’t get the paperwork (it requires cooperation from other people)? What if I have to redo an entire component? Anxiousness, fear, dread began to rattle me.
At about 4:12 am, I had the brilliant idea to read my Bible. My daily reading plan was in John 6.
Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side. They got into the boat and a storm arose. The storm was tossing them to and fro. But in the distance, they saw someone calmly walking on the same wind tossed waves they struggled against. Their first reaction was fear. But then the Bible says, “they (the disciples) willingly received Him into the boat.”
The Holy Spirit spoke to me in that moment. For 25 minutes I tossed and turned in my bed, trying to calm my storm. Yet my solution was simple. Receive Jesus into my boat. He is walking calmly on my wind tossed waves.
So I stopped striving and received Him into my problem. I asked him to make sure I got the paperwork I need today. I have asked; now, I must trust.
If you are anxious about anything this morning, pray this with me:
Jesus, I receive you into my wind-tossed situation. I receive your peace, your wisdom, your heavenly resources. I give you this need. (Ask him specifically for what you need.) I walk in confidence knowing I have asked and you have answered. Thank you, Lord. I give you all the praise and honor because you are a good God who loves me! Amen
“But He *said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”
JOHN 6:20-21 NASB