Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
That scripture just came alive for me tonight, my whole perception changed within maybe 15 minutes. Today was an interesting day every once in awhile I would mention something about worship, or pre-service prayer at Bethel church or something to do with God showing up and I would just feel His presence really strongly even thinking about it. I had just finished a fast today and so things were definitely stirring spiritually tonight in my life. But the five of us were sitting outside of a cafe in chairs enjoying coffee and hot chocolate and just sharing our passions and desires for the coming month. It was a really good time to process all that has been happening and dream about the future, the things that will happen this year.
Grant mentioned something that really encouraged me and stirred me. This month we are doing an ATL (ask the lord). We are basically trying to make new contacts with ministries and just help out and find out if world race teams can really be effective here in the future and if it would work for them to come. Grant was saying how amazing it would be to just get up in the morning and listen to God throughout the day, maybe start walking and just follow where He leads and talk to whoever he points out and just see what happens. That’s what I signed up on the world race for, to be in situations where I need to hear God’s voice to survive and to learn to trust Him more. We might not do that here but there might be days like that down the road.
Anyways, as we were talking the presnce of God grew stronger and stronger inside of me until I couldn’t contain it. I had to share what I was feeling so I just prayed for the others and I think they felt it too at least in measure. But it was like out of nowhere God just showed up and changed my whole perspective. Every single issue and problem that was on my mind faded away and I was just amazed at Jesus. All I could do was slow down and look at Jesus and tell Him how much I loved Him. That was all that mattered. I feel like moments like that are so special. Too beautiful to waste.
That’s how I want to live my life, amazed at Jesus. I seriously am frustrated at how so often I allow myself to get so distracted from what’s really important. I lose my gaze of Jesus.
22 he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, It is a ghost! and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.
28 And Peter answered him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.
29 He said, Come. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, Lord, save me.
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, Truly you are the Son of God.
Matthew 14
At this point where I am at tonight I again am realizing the simplicity of the Christian faith. I am again realizing how straightforward it is. Just love Jesus, keep your eyes on Him, watch what He’s doing. Jesus said “I only do what I see my Father doing”, Jesus was constantly doing stuff so that tells me only one thing. Jesus kept His eyes on His Father. I just want to live in that place of always looking to God, always loving Him and just seeing what He’s doing in each situation. I don’t think I could ever be discouraged living that way, if it became a way of life then I wouldn’t even miss out on what God was doing in any situation.
He’s so courageous, so inspiring, so breathtaking. Every frustration and every issue that seemed so important to me an hour ago seems almost completely insignificant now. When you gaze upon God and realize how big God is, then look at your mountain it seems so small and tame. It’s like when I’m with Him he just exudes this peace that everything is going to be ok, He”s still in control and He’s got it all worked out.
