Sitting on the beach last week, I asked the Lord to show me how I could better know Him through His creation and through my daily experiences. I am completely awestruck at the presence and availability of God in our lives. He is everywhere, and when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him!
God answered my simple prayer in mighty ways. I saw Him in the sunlight and the way it reflects on the water, in the birds of the air, in the starfish and even in kayaking! For instance, as I sat in the front of a 2-man kayak, I learned that the rear person really has all of the control. I may think that I am steering the vessel from the front seat, but when Mike (my kayak partner and love of my life) put his oar in the water, I could feel the power and the control that he had from the rear. My job was to help paddle and keep us moving forward but Mike was in command. The Lord whispered to my spirit, “Cathy, I want you to keep paddling and keep your ministry moving forward, but I will steer you and take you where I want you to go.”
When the sea became choppy, Mike instructed me to pull my oar from the water. The current pulled us to the left and as I alternated rowing from the left and right sides, I was in his way of keeping us on course. Again, the Lord revealed Himself. Sometimes He wants our hands off our situation so that He can have full control. When I surrendered my effort and allowed power that was stronger and better positioned than my own to direct our course, we began to head right to our destination. Little by little, Mike and I found a working rhythm and before I knew it, we were working together again seamlessly.
We kayaked to an island where we could explore small caves and find beach treasures, but the treasure I found was far greater than anything I expected. I drew closer to the Lord that day and found joy in the discovery!
“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10
At least you're in the boat! Some of us may still be on the shore waving to you!
ReplyDeleteFinding treasures in earthly vessels, with hearts made of clay (being modeled by God)!
I know what you mean! I have spent a lot of time letting fear keep me from even getting in the boat! God is, indeed, molding me through that and I feel like I'm beginning to overcome... a little!
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