61) When reading this passage, I put myself in the disciples shoes and wondered what faith it took for them to do the things that Jesus asked of them. And I think of my life today and the times that I question when I am asked to do things. And how I “argue” and say that I can’t do it or it is not the right time (I use that one a lot). I think of all the excuses I come up with to not do what is being asked of me. I read this and think “wow, if I could respond right away to what I am being asked, what amazing things might be done through me?” So my challenge to myself is to give up the excuses and follow Him right away when I am asked–no stall tactics used.
62) Again, I think FAITH. Jesus is asked to prove who He is by having Peter come to Him but Peter doubts him and begins to sink into the water. We are not ever going to be asked to do something that we can’t do through and with Him. We will be pushed, challenged and stretched. And that is when we come closer to Him. When things are going great, it is easy to forget God and bask in our situation. But when things are not going so well, He is the first that we turn to in asking for help. Trust in the Lord Always is what I am taking away from this passage. Again I know this but when I am challenged this is what I need to remind myself.
63) In this reading Jesus performed a miracle that was very hard for nonbelievers to deny it was from God. Then Jesus goes on the talk about spiritual blindness—those things that hinder me from seeing what God has done and truly believing in Him. The excuses I think up or use to not see the glory in all that He has done and to tell people of His greatness. This passage makes me think not to be petty and get distracted by things here on earth that don’t matter. But to try to see things through God’s eyes.
64) The part that most struck me in reading this passage is that when the demon possessed man wanted to go with Jesus and he was told to stay there and tell others what Jesus did. Sometimes I think I should do things one way and the Lord is telling me to stay where I am (He has me there for a reason) and to tell people right where I am about Him. That I don’t have to go somewhere else to tell people of God’s amazing love, I can do it right where I am because that is where I am supposed to be. This reminds me to listen. Often I am too busy to truly stop and listen to God. And if I listen then there are many things that I can do for Him right here and right now.
65) Here I am reminded that God has a purpose for everything. Lazarus was dead for four days, that was a long time before Jesus told him to “come out”. I need to not to get bogged down with the details or by the question “why is this the way it is”. I need to just TRUST in Him and let Him use me for His purpose and will. That is what I am here for—to let others see His light threw me and tell others about Him.
This has been an amazing week for me to be reminded of what an awesome God I serve and who loves me so much that he gave his only son for me (being a mother myself, I have a very hard time fathoming that fact. I look at my children with all the love I have and then think, “wow, God loves me more than the overwhelming love I have for my children” and I am brought to my knees). All I have to do is trust in Him and listen to Him and let Him use me for His ultimate purpose.
Meredith
P.S. Parents – be sure and read the 100 Day Challenge Kid Blog with your kids – click here
Meredith is Kristi’s right hand. She’s works to keep children’s ministry organized and running smoothly.