Following Jesus can be exhausting!
For the last week-and-a-half, I have had the joyous, challenging, and exhausting privilege of leading a group of nearly 30 teens and adults to prepare for and present a series of short continuing-story dramas for a week-long children’s event. (That is why there was no post last week.)
This is a place I knew Jesus was leading me. I also knew, going into this, that just because Jesus leads us somewhere and stays with us, does not mean it will be easy, or trouble-free. Trouble is NOT an indicator that we have missed the boat, nor does Jesus in the boat keep the storms away.
This week’s storms have included interpersonal conflict, communication failures, mistakes, tears, grief, old and new wounds, aching feet and legs, a terrifying dog, imperious garbage truck drivers and an angry man.
Jesus in the boat has brought: the ability to listen and forgive, clearer communication, comfort, grace, and healing.
When I read the accounts of Jesus in storms with boats, I find that He has the ability to still the storm and the power to let one of His followers walk on water. Jesus has been in my boat, and many storms have been stilled by His words but I am still waiting for my turn to walk on water…(sigh).
When I think about the last ten or so days, He has performed miracles that are no less spectacular:
Sets and props completed in a week. (Usually they take two.)
Teens with no acting experience empowered to deliver lines with expression;
Chronic mumblers speaking clearly;
Hurt feelings expressed and heard (each sometimes a miracle in itself), and parties reconciled;
Previous dicta from authorities overturned!
Garbage conflict resolved,
and no one was bit by the dog, or the angry man.
Jesus in the boat He bid me to ride means a completely inexperienced director (me) has been led safely through the production process to present a drama that clearly communicates His redemption and rescue to 100 people.
That’s almost as good as walking on water, right?
Keep following Jesus every day in the everyday, and tell me about it!
Christi
P.S. I have been trying to remember to check in with the Father in heaven, so I set an alarm to remind me to do just that. It has been humbling to bump up against that reminder and realize I was just going along without knowing I was doing what He wanted me to do.
0 Comments