Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

The Bible is clear about free-will and we make choices in life that have good and bad consequences.  However, God is sovereign and in His sovereignty, to put it simply, stuff happens.  Have you ever had one of those weeks or years in which you ask God to show you why?  Not so much because you are complaining, although as humans we are good at this, but just trying to grasp the reasoning behind the circumstances.  For me, if I understand why, then I feel more safe or if I’m real honest ( smile) more in control.  I like things to be in control and I don’t need any surprises, unless you want to treat me to a massage or dinner.

So I think on that verse.  Here is Peter asking Jesus, who is God in flesh, “Why are YOU washing my feet?”  And, Jesus tries to tell him to trust Him and you’ll understand later.  Later comes.  The Bible study I read noted that when strong Peter lost control of the situation, He denied Jesus three times.  His head was bowed low from despair and instead of dirty, tired feet, He looked at his clean feet washed by the very hands of Jesus that same night.  Oh Glory to God, I could linger there and weep!  The same hands that nails would be driven into washed the feet of His child.  “Oh, Jesus, I understand!”   Peter feels the warmth and mercy of Jesus’ love after a very serious mess up on his part.  Jesus knew.  He provided.

I had one of those weeks last week.  I thought about listing all the events but thought it would sound like complaining, so I’m not.  But, I want you to understand that I began to come unravelled.  I believe you know these feelings?  I thought, “Lord, how much more can my mind decide on effectively?”  “I’m maxed out.”   Today I’m sitting here typing and I’ve yet to come to the conclusion on a major decision I must make.  I just keep thinking that I’ll understand later. 

Jesus does this thing in my heart.  He wakes me up, talking to my heart.  He started to put some pieces together for me.  I will just concentrate on a few and then make a proposition for you.  I”m racing to work to get some book bags from a school social worker while literally making many phone calls in my car to handle a situation.  My husband calls and said to me, “Anna, I want us to be hand in hand facing the world together, and not back to back fighting off the world.”  I’m going to be very honest with you.  His meaningful expression grabbed me, but I had book bags to get.  I was totally distracted.  I even was slightly irritated because you interrupted me.  Isn’t that awful?  I told him later after much thought that I want that too.

My family will begin a study next Sunday at the church we are visiting called The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson.  It’s a MIRACLE how we ended up in this small group.  The couple who are leading this small group randomly reached out to us one Sunday in love.  I started reading the book last night, and I must tell you that a single page in that book can be a book.  Like you read one page and you say, “WOW!”  This book is all about believing God for the impossible, which reminded me of my profound blue moon experience (see previous post) on the same night! 

Starting to see all the connections? 

Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers.  God isn’t offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers.  He is offended by anything less.  If your prayers aren’t impossible to you, they are insulting to God.  Why?  Because they don’t require divine intervention.  But ask God to part the Red Sea or make the sun stand still (He really did that) or float an iron axhead, and God is moved to omnipotent action.  There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles, and fulfilling dreams……God is for you. Mark Batterson ( The Circle Maker)

What totally got me going to write this is you! 

I received a comment this morning about the Blue Moon post from a friend that reminded me of how much I love her, and I love the fact we are connected.  So here goes my BIG DREAM – my propersition…What if we read the book together?  If you get this book and read it and trust God for miracles to happen, I know He will deliver!  I want to share with you what I learn from small group after we meet. We will only meet four times, twice a month, on a Sunday, so the posts will not be every day.  However, you as a reader can talk about what God is doing in your life because of this book and your time with Him and share with us!

I’m truly not talking about prosperity teaching, for I know that the greatest miracles are the ones that produce change in me.   Changes like healing, joy, peace, God confidence, and perhaps a change that impacts your job or family for the better.  These may be wimp prayers.  I just started the book, so I’m on the learning curve.  Join me?  I pray you can!  If you desire to be in a small group at Clover Hill Assembly of God you can contact them, and they can put you in one of your choice!  You don’t have to be a member.

The book is very popular and in most places are on back order.  You can purchase the book at Lifeway, Barnes and Noble, or off of Amazon.com.  Call ahead if you go to a store.  This is no ordinary book.  It’s hitting families and individuals and truly changing them.  Let’s roll! Please let me know if you can fit this in your schedule.  If not, then just know posts will come in the future.  Hold me accountable! 

(Wasn’t that picture of Peter looking down at his feet so meaningful?  See how Jesus is looking at him as He is carried away?  Precious friend, Jesus will always provide for you in meaningful, full of grace and mercy ways…..HE LOVES YOU!)