A Not-So-Subtle Message From God

Sometimes God speaks to us in subtle ways. Other times he whacks us over the head. Last night was one of those times. If you read my post yesterday, you know that my husband and our dear friend were in a boating accident during a fishing tournament yesterday morning - Father's Day morning. They are lucky to be alive. Actually, there was no luck in it at all, for God was in control the whole time. And boy did He let us know it last night!

On Saturday I found a book at a yard sale that I thought Rich might like. It's a devotional called "Pathways to His Presence" by Charles Stanley. Turns out Rich really likes Charles Stanley and listens to him on talk radio all the time. He was really excited when I gave it to him. Like most devotionals, this one has the date at the top of each page. Rich opened it on Saturday night and asked me if I thought he should start at the beginning or go to June 20th. I told him I thought it made more sense to start with June 20th.

Rich and I rarely go to bed at the same time, he's a night owl, I am not. I like my sleep and am usually under the covers by 10:00. Well, last night was one of those rare nights when we went to bed at the same time. I guess Rich was so drained, mentally and physically, from the events of the day that he just wanted to crash early. He reached for his devotional, turned to the page that said June 21, and here is what he read:

The Reward of Faith

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

"Jesus had sent His disciples on ahead to Bethsaida. They had crossed the Sea of Galilee with trepidation. As skilled fishermen, they could tell that the cool air on their faces preceded a storm front. The volatile air currents would soon clash and a violent tempest would erupt - something they had learned to dread.
In the dead of night, the torrents of rain started. Even with their seasoned experience, the tossing seas and whipping winds were daunting. Just when it seemed as if they would die, a ghostly figure approached their boat by walking on the water."

It goes on to say that Matthew 14:27 reports that Jesus told them not to be afraid, that 'faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe.' You may not understand how God will deliver you, but you can be sure that He will.

"Take courage! Believe that He will calm the raging storm surrounding you, and you will witness the clouds breaking apart."

I have never believed in coincidences. I believe that things happen for a reason. It was no coincidence that Rich read this devotional last night. Our dear friend is not a Christian. I believe that God put this on Rich so that he may use this as a way to show his friend that God was in control this Father's Day and every day. Please pray for Rich that he may be a disciple of Jesus as he delivers this important message in a way that may bring our friend closer to God and show him what great blessings God has in store for him.

Lastly, thank you for all of your comments of caring and concern. It is so great to know that there are so many of you out there who care.