Here’s to writing on a whim. Shall we begin?
Read Matthew 14:24-26. Warning: This verse contains a spoiler alert.
Let’s imagine that we are Peter. Sitting in a boat. An old old boat.
This isn’t the Titanic here.
Although, that boat wouldn’t be ideal either.
It’s a smaller fishing boat. Being rocked by the huge swells being encouraged by the winds of the huge storm approaching.
You wipe your salty face, and attempt to remain steady in the rocking boat in the rolling water.
“Hey guys! That’s not a boat, and that’s not a Domino’s Pizza over there coming closer.
But, if you didn’t know who it was in the distance,
If you didn’t know much about the omnipotence of God,
If you didn’t know He can do anything, anywhere, for anyone,
What would you think?
You may not even give Him a second look.
But, for at least one second, He got your attention.
Or.
Maybe you have seen Him walk on water towards you in the rough waters of life.
But you have forgotten.
Watering it down to the diluted socially accepted ratio.
You aint got no more saltiness.
Your faith has become small enough to be bottled and sold as Artesian Water.
My mind was on vacation.
My heart was on vacation.
My thoughts were on vacation.
It was heaven.
As we sat and sipped our coffee and scarfed our breakfast down, we were approached by a middle aged man.
Eric.
Eric was tall. Very tall.
Eric had one tooth in his head.
Eric had wrinkles that outlined the story of a hard life.
Eric carried a guitar on his back.
Eric had on decent clothing but, well worn.
Eric had a charming personality.
Eric wore his heart on his sleeve and approached us, strangers.
Eric was a stranger.
To Be Continued.
A stranger had called to Peter. And he was unsure.
He tested Jesus and even still his faith was filtered through fear.
And when Peter’s faith was failing,
Jesus’ hand was extended to save Peter.
From the water.
From the storm.
From drowning.
From death.
We sat and talked with Eric.
We invited him to be a part of our morning.
To be a part of our life. If only just for that time.
And I was reminded,
His love never goes on vacation.
His story never goes on vacation.
His purpose never goes on vacation.
His truth never goes on vacation.
He never goes on vacation.
Because someone’s heaven depends on it.
A stranger called from the overwhelming storm of his situations.
A stranger falled for a life preserver. He was drowning.
A stranger called for an answer to the death in his life.
A stranger called from the overwhelming storm of his situations.
A stranger falled for a life preserver. He was drowning.
A stranger called for an answer to the death in his life.
To remind us that, our life, as Christians is never on vacation.
We needed Eric. We needed to be refreshed. We needed to remember that we are called to talk to strangers.
We are called to love strangers.
We are called to bring hope to strangers.
We are called to be Jesus to strangers.
We were called to reach out our hand to Eric in his storm and help lift him up.
Who is calling out to you, and Jesus is using them to test your faith?
Who needs you to believe in Him enough to step out on the waters?
Who needs you to believe in Him enough to face the storm?
Who needs you to have the faith to walk where feet might fail?
When a stranger calls, do you answer?
Stay Tuned for Profound Thoughts,
Ashlee
ashleemullin.com 