Below is a fictional short story that fell in spirit a few weeks ago. I pray that as you read it you will be able to take hope and encouragement away with you! Know that Jesus is always there carrying us through, even in the midst of a tsunami!!!
The beach was beautiful that morning as Evelyn made her way out for her usual morning walk. It had been her routine since being diagnosed. Something about walking barefoot in the sand alone with her thoughts helped her to escape the painful reality that was her life. After walking for a few moments Evelyn noticed that while things looked the same, something was missing. The sea was calm, the sun warm, and the early risers were beginning to venture out onto the sand, but something was off. She wasn't sure why, but Evelyn got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She stopped walking for a moment and turned to face the water shielding her eyes from the bright reflection of light coming from the water. All of a sudden it appeared as though the sea was receding. "What in the world" thought Evelyn. She'd never seen such a low tide before and better yet, where were all of the birds. That's what was missing. Normally the shore is full of birds every morning. Large beautiful white birds normally entertain Evelyn as she walks. This morning however the birds were missing, and that realization gave Evelyn a clue that something was about to happen. When she was just a little girl her grandmother used to tell her, "If you wanna predict the weather, watch the animals. They are much better at telling you whether or not a storm is coming than any old weather man." Remembering her Grandmother's words, Evelyn decided she better head inside. She was not in the mood for an early morning soaking. It seemed that rain always came down harder around the sea. Before she could follow through on that last thought, she noticed what seemed to be a large wave heading right towards her. "Dear Lord its a tsunami" thought Evelyn.
Instantly her heart began beating violently inside of her chest. Knowing full well she couldn't outrun the wave, Evelyn broke out into a sprint. With her heart beating in her throat and her lungs struggling for air Evelyn ran until she felt her feet could no longer carry her. Her legs felt like noodles and her t-shirt was soaked from perspiration. Just when Evelyn thought she could no longer move and the sheer panic would overtake her she felt someone place their hand on her shoulder. Despite the turmoil around her, Evelyn felt peace resonate through her as she turned to look into the eyes of Jesus. She knew it was impossible, yet she was standing face to face with her Creator. She couldn't make out the details of His features, but she knew it was Him. Only Jesus could give the kind of instant peace she felt when He touched her shoulder. With her eyes locked onto the face of the giver of life, Evelyn felt herself being lifted into his arms. She lay her head on His bosom as he began to carry her back in the direction of the ocean. When she realized he was going toward the storm panic began to rise inside of Evelyn again. "Do not fear" He said, with His voice barely above a whisper. "I am here". At the sound of His voice Evelyn began to relax. She lifted her head and looked around. There were random pieces of furniture flying through the air, water and debris had formed a standing wall of sorts. Everywhere Evelyn looked nature was behaving violently, but nothing was touching her. Her clothing wasn't even wet aside from her own sweat. There was even an instant when a huge tree limb was heading straight towards them and Evelyn felt her stomach begin to do flip flops. Jesus simply turned to the limb and said "Be still", and the tree limb that had only moments before behaved as though it 10,000 pounds of force behind it fell hard to the ground with a loud thud. With confusion in her brow, Evelyn turned to face Jesus.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"I've come to show you." He replied.
"Show me what?" Evelyn asked.
"That no matter how severe the storm, no matter how hopeless the situation seems, I am here. I control all, and I carry you through all. In Me, there is infinite safety. Now rest, for morning is coming."
Evelyn felt all tension once again leave her body as she tilted her head toward the beautiful blue sky. Though everything around her was in complete chaos, the sky was beautiful and serene. There wasn't a cloud in sight and Evelyn felt as though she could live in that moment for ever. She closed her eyes and enjoyed being taken care of so completely. Nothing mattered to her besides that moment. No cancer, no financial problems, nothing. It all left her thought process as though it didn't even exist. She enjoyed the silence they shared, saying more to each other in the silence than could ever be shared with words. Evelyn had found perfect peace in the arms of Jesus.
Just when she thought she would fall asleep Evelyn heard a faint sound. Like a phone was ringing somewhere way off in the horizon. The ringing began to get louder and louder until it snapped Evelyn out of her dream and into reality. Evelyn squinted her eyes to counteract the bright sunlight that was beaming through the blinds and into her bedroom. "I can not believe someone is calling me and waking me up from the most beautiful dream I've ever had at this time of the morning" Evelyn said aloud. She had a good mind not to answer it until she looked at the caller ID and realized it was the oncology clinic. "Dear Lord, she prayed. "Please let that dream be a sign of things to come."
"Hello"
"Hi Evelyn, it's Dr. Peterson."
"Good morning Dr. Peterson."
"No Evelyn, it's a great morning. I got your lab results back and wanted to call you personally."
"Don't keep me in suspense!" Evelyn yelled.
"Your blood is cancer free. Evelyn, you are in remission!"
God bless you all. Please leave comments to let me know what you think of the story.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Know the Members of Your Herd!
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. ~Matthew 18:20
One day while absently flipping through the television channels I came across a show on the National Geographic channel. This particular special followed the hunting patterns of hyenas. Due to a decrease in their food supply, the pack of hyenas was forced to hunt close to a pride of lions. Night after night the hyenas came up empty handed because the lions were hunting in close groups and dominating any prey they came across. Often times the hyenas would sit on the side lines waiting for the lions to slip up just once so they could get a taste of the prey. After nights of waiting, the perfect opportunity came for the hyenas. A lioness had wandered away from the pride in search of food. She found an animal, quickly killed it, and began to eat her dinner. Just as quickly as she had taken down the animal, a pack of hyenas swarmed her and wrestled her kill away from her. Knowing she was outnumbered, the lioness retreated with little resistance.
While watching this, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me, "See that's exactly how Satan works. When you are with your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ you are strengthened, so he tries to isolate you so he can devour you!" {Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour ~ 1 Peter 5:8} Do not be fooled by this trick of the enemy. There is always safety in numbers! When you feel hard pressed on every side, run to Jesus and ask Him to reveal to you the members of your herd for that situation. While we recognize Jesus is our source for all we need, we also recognize that He often works through people He places in our paths. When you come together with the members of you herd; the herd God has joined together for your edification, you will find safety! When the herd comes together (Matthew 18:20), Jesus is there in the midst of them! The hyena (satan) knows better than to attack the entire herd, because he is defenseless against Jesus!
It is imperative that we as believers recognize our "herd" and stick together. Just as the hyenas preyed on an animal they would otherwise be afraid of when they saw an open opportunity, so does the devil attempt to prey on us when we do not seek support from one another. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ~Romans 15:1 Today I may be strong and you weak, but next week the roles may be reversed and I may need you to bear my infirmities. If I pull away from you during my "weak" season and try to "handle" things alone one of us would be lacking in either giving or receiving support. I know there will be times when the Lord will instruct us to speak to Him alone regarding the issues of life, but even then, know He has placed you on the heart and mind of someone in the herd and they are bearing you up in prayer. Know your herd (not necessarily members of your local church body, but often times will be), love your herd (love with the love of Christ, not from your emotions), run with your herd (stick with the people God leads you to stick with)!
It is also important for us to remember in our "strong" seasons not to forget about the weak. God does not strengthen us just for us. He strengthens us that we may strengthen others. In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted strengthen they brethren." When you are experiencing your mountain top, do not forget about your herd members that are still in the valley. Carry the burden of prayer for them (as the Holy Spirit leads) until they see victory or until the burden lifts. In all things, be led of the Spirit of God!
God bless you!
One day while absently flipping through the television channels I came across a show on the National Geographic channel. This particular special followed the hunting patterns of hyenas. Due to a decrease in their food supply, the pack of hyenas was forced to hunt close to a pride of lions. Night after night the hyenas came up empty handed because the lions were hunting in close groups and dominating any prey they came across. Often times the hyenas would sit on the side lines waiting for the lions to slip up just once so they could get a taste of the prey. After nights of waiting, the perfect opportunity came for the hyenas. A lioness had wandered away from the pride in search of food. She found an animal, quickly killed it, and began to eat her dinner. Just as quickly as she had taken down the animal, a pack of hyenas swarmed her and wrestled her kill away from her. Knowing she was outnumbered, the lioness retreated with little resistance.
While watching this, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me, "See that's exactly how Satan works. When you are with your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ you are strengthened, so he tries to isolate you so he can devour you!" {Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour ~ 1 Peter 5:8} Do not be fooled by this trick of the enemy. There is always safety in numbers! When you feel hard pressed on every side, run to Jesus and ask Him to reveal to you the members of your herd for that situation. While we recognize Jesus is our source for all we need, we also recognize that He often works through people He places in our paths. When you come together with the members of you herd; the herd God has joined together for your edification, you will find safety! When the herd comes together (Matthew 18:20), Jesus is there in the midst of them! The hyena (satan) knows better than to attack the entire herd, because he is defenseless against Jesus!
It is imperative that we as believers recognize our "herd" and stick together. Just as the hyenas preyed on an animal they would otherwise be afraid of when they saw an open opportunity, so does the devil attempt to prey on us when we do not seek support from one another. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ~Romans 15:1 Today I may be strong and you weak, but next week the roles may be reversed and I may need you to bear my infirmities. If I pull away from you during my "weak" season and try to "handle" things alone one of us would be lacking in either giving or receiving support. I know there will be times when the Lord will instruct us to speak to Him alone regarding the issues of life, but even then, know He has placed you on the heart and mind of someone in the herd and they are bearing you up in prayer. Know your herd (not necessarily members of your local church body, but often times will be), love your herd (love with the love of Christ, not from your emotions), run with your herd (stick with the people God leads you to stick with)!
It is also important for us to remember in our "strong" seasons not to forget about the weak. God does not strengthen us just for us. He strengthens us that we may strengthen others. In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted strengthen they brethren." When you are experiencing your mountain top, do not forget about your herd members that are still in the valley. Carry the burden of prayer for them (as the Holy Spirit leads) until they see victory or until the burden lifts. In all things, be led of the Spirit of God!
God bless you!
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