Floating On The Stream

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - John 14:26-27

Recently, Martie and I were talking about our walk with the Lord. Where we have been, where we are today, and where the Lord might lead us next. She said that now, it was like we were floating on our backs in a stream and the water was barely moving, if at all.  Our temptation is to kick our feet - to get some movement. But, if we were to do that, without the prompting of the Spirit, it might be self effort and God would have nothing to do with it. (Like the sin of King Saul) It's OK to rest - to be still.  Dr. Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God)  said, "You have heard the saying, 'Don't just stand there - do something' but sometimes God is telling you - 'Don't just do something, stand there.'" Or in our case - just relax and float in the calm water for a season.

"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10

Martie was looking through our papers and photos as we are deciding what to keep and what to throw away or give away in the case of the photos. She was reminded of the times when the stream was not so calm. Flowing steadily. And there are have been times when the stream has been raging and we struggled to keep our head above water. Tempted to look for a rock to cling to or a place along the shore that we might swim to in an effort to escape the torrent. But then the Spirit - the Helper that Jesus spoke about would calm our hearts and peace would reign in our hearts once again. We would ask each other if we were still confident that we were in the center of God's will - even in the raging rapids - and it was always - yes.

I previously told you that we have been studying the Book of Daniel. A subtle point as you read about the visions Daniel had. Not once did the angel tell Daniel that life would be good and bad things were not going to happen. It will not be until Jesus returns is the war over. Until then, we can expect battle after battle. Some we will win and some we will not win. As we live our lives the constant that we can count on is that the Spirit is with us. Our life preserver if you will. Jesus may not ask us to walk on the water, but He is not pulling us out of the stream either. Remember - after Jesus pulled Peter up from the sea, they both walked back to the boat - together.  

Where are you on your stream? Floating peacefully, moving slowly along watching life as it passes by, or are you in the rapids - heart pounding - trying not to go under, struggling with fear and anxiety. Perhaps worried about your very survival. God's got you!

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone