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July 28
Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest
Mark 6:45
"He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side. . ."
The Process Is the Purpose
Chambers says we often misunderstand God's purpose for our lives. We imagine He is leading us toward some great success, a particular end, or a desired goal. But that is not God's purpose at all.
God is a God of now, not later. What matters is the moment we are living right this second — and how we walk through it with Him. The way we respond to Him in the present is far more important than any destination we think we're heading toward.
Chambers reminds us that God is not focused on where we are going, but on our obedience in each moment. We are to see Him in our lives, to see "Him walking on water" during the storms we face, and to know that if our eyes are fixed on Him, everything is alright.
If we can behold Him walking on water right now — through the storms swirling around us — knowing He is able, then He is training us. Training us to trust Him. Training us to see Him in all circumstances. Training us to behold His mastery over all things and to rest in the truth that everything is alright.
He can calm the sea.
He can heal the sick.
He can raise the dead.
He wants us to depend on His power in the now.
If I stay faithful, calm, and focused while my life spins in turmoil around me, that is the goal of God — the process itself is the goal. He wants us to depend on Him during the storms of life and to know He is in control. He's got you in the palm of His hand, and He does not intend to let you down. He does not fail. He does not sleep. He does not take breaks from His responsibilities. He is our omnipotent, all‑powerful God. We can trust Him with anything and everything.
He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to place our lives in His hands. He wants us to give Him our full attention so He can do what only He can do.
You know — that supernatural thing Jesus did for Peter when Peter stepped out onto the water. Jesus gave Peter the power to walk on water because Peter's eyes were fixed on Him. Peter's whole mind was centered on Jesus in that moment. And Peter walked on water. That was a lesson for us.
If Peter had kept his faith even as he noticed the raging sea, he would have continued walking all the way to Jesus. But he "lost it," as we say, and Jesus had to reach out and lift him up. Another lesson. Jesus did not let Peter sink just because Peter faltered. He reached out and saved him.
So even if we falter — and we will — God is still there. God will still lift us up. God will still save us. Whether our faith is the size of a mustard seed or not, He will not abandon us. But what He truly wants is for us not to "lose it" when the storms of life toss us around. He wants us to keep our focus on Him and not let the storm shake our trust, hope, or faith.
That is the lesson.
I once saw a movie long ago — I don't watch such things anymore — where two people were surrounded by evil. One told the other to close their eyes and not open them no matter what happened. The chaos swirled around them, terrible and loud, but they kept their eyes closed. Eventually, with no reaction from them to fuel the storm, it sputtered out and disappeared.
I tell that to say this: We let our physical eyes tell us to be afraid. But if we would keep our physical eyes closed to the chaos and keep our spiritual eyes on God — shutting out the physical side effects around us — we would have more success. Even if we must literally close our eyes and stay in constant prayer, whatever it takes, keep your focus on God.
A few months ago, I went through an emotional storm. I almost completely lost it. But I came to my room, shut the door, opened my Bible and my journal, and stayed in prayer and Scripture until I was exhausted. I went to bed with the storm still raging and fell asleep praying. The next morning, the storm was gone. It had raged for several days. It was frightening. I didn't understand it. But it was a God‑sent storm — to teach me something.
I believe this is what it taught me:
Trust God in the storm.
Prayer
Breath Prayer
~ Quil
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