My Utmost

Oswald Chambers writes, “The actual things are, but immediately you look at them you are overwhelmed, you cannot recognize Jesus, and the rebuke comes: “Wherefore didst thou doubt?”  Let actual circumstances be what they may, keep recognizing Jesus, maintain complete reliance on Him.”

Scripture reference: Matthew 14:29-30

That portion came from the devotional I am using this year.  The one I received from Wanda’s book batch.  I will be honest, I didn’t think I’d get much out of it when I first glanced through it.  But now I admit that almost every time I go to the day at hand, there is a message for me.

A dear friend from blogville,  sent me an e-mail that she was praying for me.  This came on the heels of another dear sister-friend stating the same thing.  Two hearts burdened to pray.  God knows the deal.  He knows full well the problem.  It’s called “Iwonderif” disease.

Ever heard of it?  Ever had the affliction strike you?  It can happen at a moments notice.  I’ve had the ailment more times than I can count. 

It happens somewhat like this:

The Lord brings an idea or thought to your heart and mind.  Even though it is something that we sometimes refer to as a “burden”, it is one we gladly bear.  (As in when you feel “burdened” to pray for someone.)  It is something that you feel distinctly drawn to…you feel Him call…you step out in faith…and you sense His direction and His affirmation.

And then it happens.  Up on your shoulder sits the pest.  The buzzing mosquito.  You swat—you slap…but still it buzzes. 

It buzzes in your ear, “I wonder if you really heard right…

I wonder if He was really talking to you…

Don’t you think someone else could visit the sick?

I wonder if they will think you are weird…or worse yet, off your rocker!”

I wonder if your friends will leave you? 

I wonder if the money will hold out to the end of the month…or the bills…will they all get paid??? 

Did you really hear Him call you? 

Do you really think you are able?

I wonder if ….

If you’ve lived a Christian life for any length of time, you’ve probably been afflicted with this nasty bug.  Similar to a virus…it can wipe you out physically and emotionally and last for several hours, or even several days—and sometimes, it can stay long enough to cause you to give up the vision God had for your life….

I wonder if.

Let’s turn that around.

I don’t have to wonder long, we are a called and chosen people.

We are one of two types of people—we are either Missionaries—or we are a Missions Project.

When He said, “Go ye”, I believe He meant “Go you.  Go me.” 

When He said, “Follow me and I will make you fisher’s of men”…I believe He meant exactly that!

We are to go out—in our day-to-day and share Jesus with the world.

I am being prompted in my spirit to go—in the work place—in the stores—wherever I may be—I am there to do what I normally do, work, shop, eat, and live the daily—but also, while I’m there, I am to be sharing and living Jesus. 

Daily.

Without a doubt.  Giving my utmost for Him.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the “actual” that is your circumstances, but look beyond—to the place up on top of the water—where He is calling you to walk.  As Peter did. 

Don’t cast your eyes to the waves, keep them focused on Him.

Today, He’s calling us to follow.

I’ve stepped out in faith.

How about you?

In Faith,

Angie

Matthew 14:29-33 (New International Version)

²⁹“Come,” he said.

   Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³²And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”