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What You Know Can Set Someone Free (A Guest Post By Shelly Miller)

By Anita Mathias

I first met Shelly Miller of Redemption’s Beauty through her much-needed Sisterhood of the Sabbath. She’s on my blog today with another necessary challenge. Welcome, Shelly!

(c) Shelly Miller

As I step over the threshold from my garage to the side yard, holding a full trash bag in my hand, the sound of something rustling in the leaves nearby startles me. I’m a bit jumpy this time of the year. I live in a part of the country inhabited by almost every species of snake. Walking barefoot in the summer is an extravagance I don’t allow myself.

As I look from side to side, scan the grass, inspect the flower beds and barbecue, I remember the source of the sound that reverberates. A blush-cheeked skink lives a few feet down the sidewalk, behind a drain pipe, nestled among leaf litter. Though the sight of a giant lizard isn’t less creepy than a snake, I can see his frozen stance like a picture hanging on a brick wall in the crevice. I know he is more afraid of me than I am of him.

rbguestpostmathias1

And I’m the only one who knows about the skink setting up residence in this secret place. I’m the gardener in our family.

It suddenly occurs to me that my son squawks in certainty about hearing a slithering snake, every time he takes the trash out. I just happen to be doing his job on this day and realize it’s not a snake threatening my son’s peace, but a harmless skink.

I wonder how many times I have done this; withheld information that seems trivial when sharing it would be a gift, like a prophetic word. When I offer prayerful, sometimes seemingly insignificant impressions with others, it is an act of the deepest kind of vulnerability and yet reveals the most profoundly courageous truth. God is asking me if I’ll risk looking foolish; if I’ll trust Him for the sake of love.

Perhaps He is asking you too.

There’s no equation where taking risks, braving uncertainty, and opening ourselves up to emotional exposure equals weakness. ~Brene Brown, Daring Greatly

The beautiful paradox: every time I dare to be vulnerable, expose my perceived weakness in sharing what I sense He is saying for someone else, faith grows strong like a shoot stretching tall toward the Son, for both of us.

Recently, I became reacquainted with a girlfriend on Facebook after a fifteen year lull in conversation. She reminded me of a time of barrenness, when she desperately wanted children and worried about not becoming pregnant. She says, “I still tell the story of how you had a prophetic dream that I was pregnant with our first child who is now 14. God is so good! Thanks for sharing that with me so long ago. It proves again the goodness of God and His ever present hand in our lives!”

She just had her sixth child.

Humanity shares a common trait: the desperation to be set free from ourselves, even when we don’t know it. Prophecy is the reminder that we aren’t alone; that your life and mine, they matter and He is listening.

Brene says, “We love seeing raw truth and openness in other people, but we’re afraid to let them see it in us.” And perhaps our sharing what we know, what seems insignificant to us, will transform someone’s perceived situation from a snake to a skink; help them breathe a bit easier when stepping into the unknown. It may even allow a person to release the trash they were holding back.

We are light bearers, holding torches we assumed were lit with the wisdom of our experience, when often we carry flames of truth from His tongue illuminating the mystery of the Kingdom. The Light you carry may set someone free. Share it.

What is worth doing even if you fail? Have you ever pushed away that inkling you perceived as coming from God for someone because of fear? Or perhaps you’ve been the recipient of someone else’s prophetic word in due season. Tell me about it in the comments.

Shelly Miller

Shelly Miller

Shelly Miller is a writer, photographer, clergy wife, mother of two teens, and a leadership coach.  She enjoys writing stories that make people think differently about life and helping women discover their calling. You can read more of her stories on her blog, Redemptions Beauty and in her column at Living the Story. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

 


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Filed Under: In which I chase the wild goose of the Holy Spirit, In which I proudly introduce my guest posters Tagged With: prophecy, prophetic words

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Comments

  1. Nancy Ruegg says

    July 11, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Your prophetic dream of a friend having a baby reminded me of a time years ago when a friend of mine dearly wanted a second child. She and her husband had waited and waited; no child. One day I felt compelled to pray with her after church. As the words came, so did a strong, convincing tone. I based my prayer on a verse that had ministered to me: “He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord (Psalm 113:9). I must admit, I felt apprehensive. What if God had different plans for this couple? What if the conviction with which I prayed was just my own heartfelt desire for their happiness? I heard no voice saying that E. and M. would indeed have a child. But imagine the joy of all of us when she did become pregnant, not long after that prayer! E. & M. had twins!

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 13, 2013 at 12:28 pm

      Nancy, I think your thoughts are common to all of us. I give those prophetic words in fear and trembling and with a bit of begging from God to show if I’m wrong. But really, the outcome is up to Him isn’t it? If we are wrong and fail to give an accurate word to someone, it just points them back to our humanity and doesn’t change a thing about God.

      • Nancy Ruegg says

        July 13, 2013 at 6:25 pm

        Oh, yes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! But when I step out in faith and falter, I don’t want anybody else to falter with me. Even that outcome is up to Him, though, isn’t it.

  2. Jody Ohlsen Collins says

    July 10, 2013 at 12:30 am

    Shelly, I am so glad I ‘hopped over’ the pond (or you, did, rather and I followed you.) Anita’s voice–and yours–are like a fresh drink of water. In 1984 a singing prophet came to our church–he ministered with his guitar and God gave him words for people in the room and they were spot on. Every one of them. The words he spoke over my husband and I have been typed out and printed in my Bible all this time, but God has only been releasing the gifts he promised in me–that of prophecy–speaking a word in season over others-have only been stirred up in me in the last four years or so. I don’t always remember it’s there, but when I’m obedient to share what God has given me, there is always such joy and life given to others and a sense of confirmation in my spirit.
    Many people have also prayed over me since then and God has tenderly touched me each time. I so grateful THEY were obedient, too, to step out of their comfort zone and speak the words of the Lord to me.

    Thank you for encouraging us, reminding us to step out in faith.

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 10, 2013 at 2:12 am

      Oh wow, this is such a wonderful thing to know about you Jody. I would love to encourage you in using this gift. It could be a brand new season of exploring and deepening your faith as you step into it.

    • Anita Mathias says

      July 11, 2013 at 2:09 pm

      Wow, your singing prophet sounds amazing. I once was given a life-changing word for my daughter, Zoe, from Patricia Bootsma of Catch the Fire, Toronto, who had no idea I had daughters, but could “see” her. And she was right, and the confidence she instilled was life-changing!

  3. Pam says

    July 9, 2013 at 11:23 pm

    I am consciously trying to be more attuned to His Spirit’s urges like this too, Shelly. And sometimes it is other than words to share. Like maybe a book is continually on my mind to share with someone. Or another is on my mind to send an uplift to… Until I finally act on those thoughts and realize they just might be coming from him for some reason. Recently, I sent a drawing to someone because they were in my thoughts to do so for months, and when I did, she wrote back to tell me it came on a milestone birthday I had no idea of… His perfect timing. And, in a way, maybe a word to someone’s spirit directly from His? ~ Pam, apples of gold, http://wordglow.worpdress.com

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 10, 2013 at 2:10 am

      I love the way you own this part of who you are Pam, its so honoring and inspiring. And actually quite brave.

  4. kelli woodford says

    July 9, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    wow. what a word, Shel.
    i have benefited too many times to count from someone who was willing to step out and speak love over me. these people in my life have helped me begin to see myself as He sees me. they have been light-bearers, indeed.
    thank you for the gracious way you challenge and ignite us to do the same. i am so glad to call you ‘friend.’

    and Anita, thanks for hosting! how generous you are with your space here – always inviting others and encouraging them. thank you for being you.

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 10, 2013 at 2:09 am

      Me too Kelli, so grateful for the courageous people in my life who spoke words of life over me and held me accountable. I think that is what inspires me to carry the torch. So blessed by you Kelli, in so many ways. Truly.

    • Anita Mathias says

      July 11, 2013 at 2:16 pm

      Thank you, Kelli. You guys have immeasurably enriched my blog with your guest posts!

  5. Ahyana says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Recently I was working on a new writing assignment about the idea of being all in. On a break from writing I took to reading the four verse story in the book of Luke about the widow’s mite. Certainly she is an example of someone who was “all in.”
    As I read this post I am reminded of the freedom we have to be all in for the Lord. To take the risk of seeming silly and share what it is He has put on our hearts to share with someone else. That when we allow ourselves to be all in sometimes we actually help others experience the liberty to do the same.
    Thanks for sharing.

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 9, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Yes!! You got it Ahyana. It’s worth the risk, for the sake of someone else. I’ve found that I’m rarely, if ever, regretful about stepping out in faith. My heart beats fast but when I surrender the way I fear it might be received then the outcome is on His back. Usually, the outcome is better than what I imagined.

  6. DeanneMoore says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    You can’t know how hard this was for me to read. As you know I am reluctant when it comes to my gifting, especially when the “prophecy” is not what someone wants to hear. Yet those prophecies can bring great freedom and help. I have been the “weeping” prophet the last couple of days with a knot of fear keeping me from the courageous thing. I covet your prayers. I only want to “speak words that make souls stronger.” (Voskamp) But I have a “fire caught up in my bones.” If I don’t use my gifts, what will it do to me and how does that honor the One who gave these things to me?

    Thanks for giving Shelly your place today Anita. May God continue to use you and your blog in UK and all over the world 🙂

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 9, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Yes, I do know about your reluctance. Praying for courage. He might just surprise you Dea. You’ve been on my heart this week.

    • Anita Mathias says

      July 11, 2013 at 2:21 pm

      Thank you, Deanne, and thank you for visiting!

  7. Jillie says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    Hi Shelly…Thanks for directing us to this ‘Blogger from Oxford’! Like you, I love all things ‘British’! She’s now on my list.
    Occasionally I have felt the urging to say a word to someone near and dear to me. I’m never really sure if it’s from God, whether it’s classified as “prophetic” or not. But these kinds of ‘urges to speak’ do feel stronger and different from others I have. I know I do have strong urges like this when it comes to the ‘Church’ as a whole. Things that I see as future danger if the Church keeps following the popular trends of our day. I also find that some people near and dear to me are more eager to hear, while others?…not so much. “Prophetic” for me…IF that’s what it is…often comes in the form of warning or chastisement.
    I’m happy for you, that you do live and breathe and move in your gifting from the Lord. We are all richer for it. Good words today.

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 9, 2013 at 5:00 pm

      I think you illustrated what I was trying to say in this piece Jillie. I think sometimes we don’t realize that those urges could be from God. And usually prophecy is something that resonates with someone when you say it, it’s a confirmation or further insight into something God is already doing in someone’s life. Grateful for you too. And glad you are adding Anita to your list, she’s a good one.

    • Anita Mathias says

      July 11, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      Welcome to my blog, Jillie, and thank you for putting me on your list!

  8. Kris Camealy says

    July 9, 2013 at 11:47 am

    What a beautiful reminder, Shelly. It’s timely for me, as I am in a season of wrestling with lots of fear and apprehension. I have seen the way God speaks to you, and through you–it’s amazing. So lovely to see you in Anita’s corner of the web. Praying for you both today.

    • Shelly Miller says

      July 9, 2013 at 4:57 pm

      So glad to see you here Kris and thankful this was a timely reminder. Fear and apprehension are not welcome guests, I’ll be praying for you my friend.

    • Anita Mathias says

      July 11, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      Kris, thank you for your prayers. I read your interviews on blogging today, and loved the way you have surrendered your writing to God!

  9. Shelly Miller says

    July 9, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Thanks for having me here Anita, what a privilege. You know, I seem to share prophetic words more easily in church but when it isn’t there, it feels more scary. God is challenging me to share with my blog followers now too. Those he puts on my heart to pray for. I am wonderstruck over the way he is speaking, about the way he is blessing those He brings to the welcome mat of my blog. It’s been a gift I didn’t expect and one I am so thankful for as well.

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Link to post with podcast link in Bio or https://a Link to post with podcast link in Bio or https://anitamathias.com/2023/09/22/dont-walk-away-from-jesus-but-if-you-do-he-still-looks-at-you-and-loves-you/
Jesus came from a Kingdom of voluntary gentleness, in which
Christ, the Lion of Judah, stands at the centre of the throne in the guise of a lamb, looking as if it had been slain. No wonder his disciples struggled with his counter-cultural values. Oh, and we too!
The mother of the Apostles James and John, asks Jesus for a favour—that once He became King, her sons got the most important, prestigious seats at court, on his right and left. And the other ten, who would have liked the fame, glory, power,limelight and honour themselves are indignant and threatened.
Oh-oh, Jesus says. Who gets five talents, who gets one,
who gets great wealth and success, who doesn’t–that the
Father controls. Don’t waste your one precious and fleeting
life seeking to lord it over others or boss them around.
But, in his wry kindness, he offers the ambitious twelve
and us something better than the second or third place.
He tells us how to actually be the most important person to
others at work, in our friend group, social circle, or church:Use your talents, gifts, and energy to bless others.
And we instinctively know Jesus is right. The greatest people in our lives are the kind people who invested in us, guided us and whose wise, radiant words are engraved on our hearts.
Wanting to sit with the cleverest, most successful, most famous people is the path of restlessness and discontent. The competition is vast. But seek to see people, to listen intently, to be kind, to empathise, and doors fling wide open for you, you rare thing!
The greatest person is the one who serves, Jesus says. Serves by using the one, two, or five talents God has given us to bless others, by finding a place where our deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. By writing which is a blessing, hospitality, walking with a sad friend, tidying a house.
And that is the only greatness worth having. That you yourself,your life and your work are a blessing to others. That the love and wisdom God pours into you lives in people’s hearts and minds, a blessing
https://anitamathias.com/.../dont-walk-away-from-j https://anitamathias.com/.../dont-walk-away-from-jesus.../
Sharing this podcast I recorded last week. LINK IN BIO
So Jesus makes a beautiful offer to the earnest, moral young man who came to him, seeking a spiritual life. Remarkably, the young man claims that he has kept all the commandments from his youth, including the command to love one’s neighbour as oneself, a statement Jesus does not challenge.
The challenge Jesus does offers him, however, the man cannot accept—to sell his vast possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus encumbered.
He leaves, grieving, and Jesus looks at him, loves him, and famously observes that it’s easier for a camel to squeeze through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to live in the world of wonders which is living under Christ’s kingship, guidance and protection. 
He reassures his dismayed disciples, however, that with God even the treasure-burdened can squeeze into God’s kingdom, “for with God, all things are possible.”
Following him would quite literally mean walking into a world of daily wonders, and immensely rich conversation, walking through Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, quite impossible to do with suitcases and backpacks laden with treasure. 
For what would we reject God’s specific, internally heard whisper or directive, a micro-call? That is the idol which currently grips and possesses us. 
Not all of us have great riches, nor is money everyone’s greatest temptation—it can be success, fame, universal esteem, you name it…
But, since with God all things are possible, even those who waver in their pursuit of God can still experience him in fits and snatches, find our spirits singing on a walk or during worship in church, or find our hearts strangely warmed by Scripture, and, sometimes, even “see” Christ stand before us. 
For Christ looks at us, Christ loves us, and says, “With God, all things are possible,” even we, the flawed, entering his beautiful Kingdom.
https://anitamathias.com/2023/09/07/how-to-find-th https://anitamathias.com/2023/09/07/how-to-find-the-freedom-of-forgiveness/
How to Find the Freedom of Forgiveness
Letting go on anger and forgiving is both an emotional transaction & a decision of the will. We discover we cannot command our emotions to forgive and relinquish anger. So how do we find the space and clarity of forgiveness in our mind, spirit & emotions?
When tormenting memories surface, our cortisol, adrenaline, blood pressure, and heart rate all rise. It’s good to take a literally quick walk with Jesus, to calm this neurological and physiological storm. And then honestly name these emotions… for feelings buried alive never die.
Then, in a process called “the healing of memories,” mentally visualise the painful scene, seeing Christ himself there, his eyes brimming with compassion. Ask Christ to heal the sting, to draw the poison from these memories of experiences. We are caterpillars in a ring of fire, as Martin Luther wrote--unable to rescue ourselves. We need help from above.
Accept what happened. What happened, happened. Then, as the Apostle Paul advises, give thanks in everything, though not for everything. Give thanks because God can bring good out of the swindle and the injustice. Ask him to bring magic and beauty from the ashes.
If, like the persistent widow Jesus spoke of, you want to pray for justice--that the swindler and the abusers’ characters are revealed, so many are protected, then do so--but first, purify your own life.
And now, just forgive. Say aloud, I forgive you for … You are setting a captive free. Yourself. Come alive. Be free. 
And when memories of deep injuries arise, say: “No. No. Not going there.” Stop repeating the devastating story to yourself or anyone else. Don’t waste your time & emotional energy, nor let yourself be overwhelmed by anger at someone else’s evil actions. Don’t let the past poison today. Refuse to allow reinjury. Deliberately think instead of things noble, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
So keep trying, in obedience, to forgive, to let go of your anger until you suddenly realise that you have forgiven, and can remember past events without agitation. God be with us!
https://anitamathias.com/2023/08/16/the-silver-coi https://anitamathias.com/2023/08/16/the-silver-coin-in-the-mouth-of-a-fish-never-underestimate-god/
I've recorded a podcast on how Jesus guided Peter to find the necessary tax money in a fish.
The Silver Coin in the Mouth of a Fish. Never Underestimate God
So the taxman comes for Peter: Does Jesus pay the voluntary,
but expected tax for the upkeep of the grand temple and its
priests)? And, as he often does, Jesus asks Peter what he thinks because as a friend, he's interested,and as a brilliant teacher, he wants Peter to think for himself..
Sons do not pay tax to their fathers, they both agree. 
Then, Christ,who repeatedly referred to his powerful body
as God’s temple on earth, decides to pay temple tax anyway
to avoid a skandalon, offence.
And Jesus instructs Peter to cast a line and a hook–as amateur
fishermen did–insulting for a professional with boats and nets.
And Christ again demonstrates that he knows best even in Peter’s
one area of professional expertise. And Christ knows best in our
areas of giftedness. His call often involves working just outside
our zone of competence, forcing us to function with the magic of
God’s spirit and energy. The grain of pride must die for resurrection.
And Peter finds silver in a fish. When you lack the money to fulfil
the dream God has placed in your heart, do not rule out His
wonder-working power. Pray for God’s miraculous provision, or
for Christ’s surprising strategies to create wealth, rather than work
yourself to a breakdown, or manipulate or use others to get money.
Will God tell us, on request, which fish in the multitudinous seas
has swallowed silver? He sometimes might, for he hates waste. But
not always. Tim Keller writes, “People think if God has called
you to something, he’s promising you success. But He might be
calling you to fail to prepare you for something else through the failure.
To work all night and catch nothing, as Peter did, strengthens our
character and endurance so that we are capable of becoming fishers of
humans, and, if God pleases, sometimes, perhaps even fishers of money.
Hi, I've recorded a new podcast. Here's the link. Hi, I've recorded a new podcast. Here's the link. https://anitamathias.com/2023/08/06/following-jesus-is-costly-and-the-very-best-thing-we-can-do/
Jesus is blazingly honest about the cost of following him. It’s our most brilliant, golden choice, though it does mean we can no longer follow ourselves. We dance instead to his other-worldly, life-changing music, asking at each transition point of our day or life, “Jesus, what is your assignment? How do I do it your way?” 
For me (descriptive, not prescriptive), shouldering my cross includes eliminating sugar and starchy carbs (to lose excess weight!), not watching TV (extreme!), keep my house and garden organised and pretty enough. And, also, taming anger and outspokenness! And refusing to sing a song of worry, or linger in anger, training myself to sing instead a song of trust, praise, and gratitude. 
While following Jesus is electric, and joyful, following
ourselves could entail ruining our health with addictive foods, caffeine,overwork, or the siren-call of our phones. Following Jesus does not mean relinquishing our goals and ambitions, but surrendering them to Him. We do not own
our work; God does. And so, we must repent when we overwork, get too intense about success, or try to impress others with it. For competitive cravings for success, fame, money,
or popularity wreck relationships, and mental, spiritual, and physical health, and never satisfy, for the ladder of success has no end, and climbing it means exhausting ourselves for nothing. We’re still restless.
You have made us for yourself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you, St. Augustine wrote. If we do not try to obey the Great Commandment: to love God, and Christ’s second commandment:  to love our neighbour as ourselves, we could, one day,open the treasure box of our lives and find only ashes. Nothing!
C.S. Lewis: “Give up yourself, and you will find your real self. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.”
https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/19/persistent-pra https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/19/persistent-prayer-turns-christs-silence-his-no-and-absolutely-not-to-yes/
So, a Syro-Phoenician woman comes to Jesus, crying out,
“Lord, have mercy on me. My daughter is suffering terribly.” But 
Jesus remains silent. Undeterred, she keeps crying out.
And Jesus snubs her: “I was sent only to the lost
sheep of Israel.” But she can’t believe “No” could be
his final word. “Lord, help me,” she says simply. And
then, a crushing rebuff. “It is not right to take
the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” But hitting
rock bottom makes your prayers strangely powerful. “Yes,
it is right, Lord,” she contradicts him, “Even dogs eat crumbs
that fall.” Dogs, hungry, humble, grateful, happy.
And Jesus praises her dogged faith 
which catalyses the miracle she longs for. 
He says, "Your request is granted.” 
Never passively accept any apparently intractable situations.
Reality is infinitely malleable in the hands of God. We pray,
and people change, circumstances change. We change. So
keep praying until little drops of the kindness of God
soften and change the impossible situation and your heart. 
Take your little mustard seed of mountain-moving faith,
and pray, seeing the kind Jesus in your mind’s eye.
Continue praying, past God’s silence, his “No,” and “Absolutely Not,” 
until Christ, charmed, says, “Yes. It’s time! Go, girl, go. This way.”
Dream big and wide like childless Abraham stepping outside,
dazzled by an immensity of stars, and believing God’s power
could give him as many descendants. But don’t waste your
passion and dream-energy. Pray for things that will bring you
joy, yes, but will also bless myriad others, creating something,
in Milton’s phrase, that the world will not willingly let die.
Each of Jesus’s prayers were not answered affirmatively; neither
will each of our requests be granted. We are not wise enough
to know what best to pray for. But prayer, incredibly, does change
things. So keep praying for the shimmering dream which makes
your heart burn and quiver; pray past apparent impossibility until
the heavens open, the Spirit descends, and you live
and create with God’s spirit energising and filling you.
https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/08/grab-christs-h https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/08/grab-christs-hand-when-you-are-sinking/
LINK in profile
Hi friends, I’ve recorded a podcast meditation. Pls listen should you have time.
Sometimes, the little boat of your life is tossed in the darkness, in a storm-swept lake, far from shore,
And a dark figure looms, walking on water, and you cannot see his face, and you do not know his name, and you are terrified.
And in the encircling gloom, Christ always speaks the same magnificent words, “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
He comes to us in the darkness, a future that looks bleak, with unsolvable relational difficulties or financial difficulties, or when intellect, energy, and organisation feel puny, matched with our dreams and calling. But it is Christ. Do not be afraid.
And Peter, the risk-taker, from an overabundance of love and impulsivity, says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus speaks another of his great words, “Come.”
Jesus, the merciful, did not ask Peter to do something that transcended the humanly possible and Peter’s faith, but
since Peter wanted to get to Jesus as quickly as possible, and to do whatever Jesus did, he gives him permission to walk on water.
We sometimes yearn to do things for which we know we don’t have the money, time, abundant gifting, or even the character. Never begin them before you’ve prayed, “Lord, tell me to do it.” And if he says, “Come,” start tackling the impossibility, immediately.
And Peter walks on water, until he sees the almost visible wind, is afraid, and begins to sink. Fear paralyses, sinks, and destroys.
And Peter prays a powerful prayer, “Lord, save me.” And immediately, Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him, scolding, “Oligopistos. You of little faith. Why did you doubt?”
And the wind dies down, and Peter learns to keep his eyes on Jesus and his power when he attempts the impossible, and to cry out for Jesus’s help when he begins to sink.
Help us, Jesus, you who control the wind and waves, and all things, when we are sinking in the darkness, and all seems impossible. Tell the wind to be quiet.
Take my hand, precious Lord. Lead me on. Let me stand. Amen.
https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/01/how-to-find-li https://anitamathias.com/2023/07/01/how-to-find-life-changing-hidden-treasure/
Podcast link in profile
Hi Friends, I've recorded a new podcast meditation on Jesus's statement that following him is like discovering priceless treasure hidden in a field. The finder would joyfully sell everything to buy it, as should we!
Jesus speaks of living in the Kingdom of God, living with him as our High King and Lord, as a treasure, worth selling everything we have to gain.
He describes it as experiencing peace, joy, and operating in the power of the Holy Spirit.
As literally selling everything we have would take time, so too will adjusting our lives to living in Christ's invisible Kingdom.
It requires a slow, steady but definite adjustment of each area of our lives: relationships, what we read and watch, consumption and production of social media, travel, leisure, our spending and giving, time spent on food prep and exercise, on prayer and scripture, on reading and the news, on home and garden maintenance, on church activities and volunteering. Some of us will spend less time on these, others will spend more, for we each have a unique shape and calling.
Entering into the kingdom of God is a very individual pilgrim's progress; we each have a different starting point. Rick Warren of The Purpose Driven Life suggests that those seeking to change anything change their bodies first, by getting their exercise and diet under control... which is where I am starting!!
While following Christ is costly, for sure, it's costlier to follow what Tim Keller called Counterfeit Gods --“money, the seduction of success, the power and the glory,” climbing a cruel ladder which has no end, and never satisfies for long. 
In a remarkable account, Bill Bright, founder of Cru, describes his surrender to God as abandoning his puny little plans for God's magnificent plans. Once done, he said the future seemed brighter than ever before... And it undoubtedly was! Jesus's promise that the things the unbelieving world chases will added to those who seek his Kingdom first came true in Bright’s life, as it will in ours as we pursue Christ.
I’ve seen these Pre-Raphaelite paintings in Tate I’ve seen these Pre-Raphaelite paintings in Tate Britain several times, and they delight me each time. What a gorgeous museum!
And here is this week’s podcast meditation-- https://anitamathias.com/2023/06/18/the-spirit-helps-us-speak-creative-words-of-energy-and-life/ (link in Instagram bio)
On how we need the Spirit’s help to speak creative words of energy and life, not darkness and devastation.
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