Devotionals

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November 2004 started out to be a season of promise, friends, associates, and family close by in spirit and in communication. My destiny was on tract; God was filling and fulfilling. Additionally, there was marriage on the horizon and ministry going forward. What could change such a beautiful picture?

Deep in the bowels of my spirit was a cutting, distortion that something was definitely wrong but couldn’t get to the place of understanding. All I knew was life, as I knew it then, was about to change—yet again. It seems as though God has chosen my path (and yours) to be changeable. In the ten years since conversion I have lived all over the United States, worked with ministries and received favor from awesome men and women of God in molding my faith, and giving me ministry tools for which I am eternally grateful. God was building and rewiring my skills of corporate leadership to leading in ministry. So what was God up to now? I wasn’t sure I wanted to really know the answer. Like most of us, when things are going reasonably well, let’s not rock the boat. When we say, Jesus, Savior, pilot me—He says, thanks for the invitation and does just that.

Peter and the disciples came to understand that even when you’re under the tutelage and hands of the Master, there are storms and disappointments, challenges and mountains to move. Because you’re with the Master, Jesus Christ, all things are possible, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. The disciples were in a boat when a storm arose. Fearing they were about to sink ran to the sleeping quarters and woke Jesus up. “Jesus, do something, we’re going to die.”

That’s exactly what Jesus is hoping for each of us—die to our fear, die to our negative emotions, don’t let the anxiety of every day living get you down. The disciples had lived, ministered, and been taught by Jesus during the three years of his ministry on earth. Even after the crucifixion, they had no faith that they had a purpose and that Jesus was going to be resurrected. They hid in a room in fear for their life—yet again.

Today I would ask you, what is your “yet again” that Jesus is doing in your life. How can you make the most of your experience so you can live your purpose and share it with others? The update on my life—well, I didn’t get married (another story), I moved, and God had me in a wilderness so I could prepare for the new challenges. God truly cares about our outcome, and does everything He can to allow us the opportunity to gain from the pain.

PRAYER: Lord, although it is sometimes hard to thank you for challenges and pain, today I do thank you. Because I know that somewhere in my wilderness, you are never far away and cheering for me to be better than yesterday, and available to be a greater witness for you in my tomorrows. Thank you for the confidence you have in me to do greater things because you sent the Holy Spirit to be my guide. Amen

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