Monday, June 22, 2009

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.

18 comments:

Tricia said...

Hi Kim.
I'm sorry I hadn't commented earlier. Long weekend.
I'm so happy to hear that your husband and friend are okay. It's scary how fast life can slip out from under us. God is truly in control, thank goodness.
Hey, do you think your husband would have thought twice about his trip if he had read that devotional earlier? ;)
Probably not. It doesn't happen that way, right?
Truly, I am so glad to hear that you are all well and safe.
Hug and kiss that man. I will definetly be doing the same.
*Tricia

Unknown said...

Kim,
I'm so sorry I missed your post telling us about the accident. Thank God they are ok! I believe as you do; there are no coincidences, but everything happening for a reason...God's reason. I also believe that God uses us and certain situations to bring us closer to Him and also to bring others closer to Him. May the Holy Spirit give your hubby the right words and direction to speak to your friend so that he too will have a close relationship with our Heavenly Father. God Bless you all and take care.

Nancy

Still Learning said...

ACK!! I missed the earlier post. Oh my. How grateful must you be feeling? Hmmm.... God is so good. Wow.
How amazing it is that He can work all these things out for us like that. It always just amazes me. Do you think God ever just sits back and laughs at the things he has to orchestrate to get our attention? I sure do.

I pray your friend sees this as a gift too. I pray he receives it.
Boy, what a blessing to read this. Truly I know I need to look more on the unseen than what is seen. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Jennifer

Sue said...

Thank you so much for sharing. I am so glad Hubby is well after the ordeal. God is so faithful. I wanted you to know that I have been listening for a word from Him and he has used your blog to bring it to me. "You may not understand how God will deliver you, but you can be sure that he will." I am experiencing some storms of my own and that was for me!!
Blessings~LillySue

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Wow Kim-How did I miss this? I am so happy that your husband and friend are okay! Thank you for posting this. I needed to read this today.

~Misti

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

That's awesome. I absolutely do not believe in coincidences. That devotional was a "God thing" for sure. God is always at work around us and I pray for Him to open my eyes to see what He is doing. Praising God with you!
Traci

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Kim, I missed your first post. I'm glad I was able to catch this one. Yes, I will pray for your husbands friend that the words may touch his heart. Blessings to your whole family.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

What a wonderful way to turn this near tragedy into a blessing! Yes, I will pray that Rich can show his friend the way to God. laurie

Free Art Printables said...

Thank GOD someone was watching over them!

Amanda@Imperfectly Beautiful said...

Yes God truly does work in mysterious ways! What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it and reminding us that only HE can deliver us! Glad they are safe.

~Amanda

Nancy Rosalina said...

Kim, That is so good! It is a God Thing for sure!!! Glad your hubby is doing good! Nancy

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Our God is an awesome God!!!

Beth in NC said...

Wow. You're right, there are no coincidences! Again, I am grateful your husband was by your side!

Thanks for encouraging me on my blog. I pray God will give you wisdom as you deal with your Mom as well.

Blessings!
Beth

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

The Lord whispers in our ears...in many ways! Blessings to you and yours!! Huggy Hugs!

Its So Very Cheri said...

I will be praying for you r friends salvation. God may have used that specifically to get his attention.

Cheri
www.itssoverycheri.blogspot.com

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

May you have a safe and great Fourth my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Southerner said...

Isn't it so cool when God leaves no chance for us to wonder when He is speaking. He desires for us to know Him and His will and encourages us just at the right times. Thanks for sharing!

trish said...

Wow, that is amazing! I can just see the Lord covering your husband and friend. What a testimony and experience the two of them shared. And what a great chance for your husband to share Christ with his friend! Thank you so much for sharing! I needed those words from the devotional! Never knowing how God will rescue us ... but always knowing He will! We are so blessed are we not?!
Thank you for your kind words shared on my blog. I really appreciate them!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne