Standing at Water's Edge

Isn't it funny how God has a way of opening doors for us sometimes when we are hoping they stay shut.  God wants us to do something in our lives and though we may here the call we avoid it like the plague due to fear, past hurts, anger, or unresolved emotions.

Many of you that have been reading WH, probably all remember the Lumber Yard post back in December, where I stated God was calling me to resolve some past misunderstandings, judgments, and unresolved emotions (shame) with mentors of my past.  Well....as I have done so many times in my past I began to drag my feet.  Honestly, I wanted to do it, but I believe now that subconsciously I was avoiding it out of fear.  Fear of embarrassment, the fear of rejection, fear of judgment from them, and downright shame.

Well you will be happy to know, that like Jonah being swallowed by a whale and taken to Nineveh to spit out on the shore, or like the Hebrews that doubted God but then stood with Moses before a gapping Red Sea with a decision of whether or not to cross, I too was brought to the water's edge then left with a decision.

See Last Monday the guy that first mentored me just suddenly texted me out of the blue.  At first I hesitated in calling him back, but after a little prayer I was assured that God would get me through it as he always does.  So I picked up my cellphone and called him back.  Honestly, I was hoping at first he wouldn't pick up, but then when he finally did; the healing process began.

How great is our God!  I left that conversation feeling more alive and on fire for the Lord than I have felt in a long time.  Every word that my friend spoke was one of encouragement and healing.  When we were finally about to bring it all to an end, he asked if he could pray for me and I said yes.  Those words he spoke washed over me and just reassured me that in light of all my failures God still loves me unconditionally and will never leave me nor forsake me.

Now to many of you out there this may seem all a bit coincidental, but the story is not yet over.  See about two days or so after that I got a letter in the mail from my second mentor.  This was the guy that I connected with when I first arrived here in DC after leaving Ft Campbell.  The funny thing if you will, is that he sent the letter on the 24th of December, but due to misdirection and the wrong address it didn't arrive till now.  Even more funny is the fact that I hadn't heard from him in quite some time either.  Coincidence....I think not.

God is amazing and He will gently place you on the waters edge at different points in your life to see where your heart truly resides.  Whether you are standing before Nineveh with disdain, or looking up at the colossal walls of the Red Sea with fear in your heart, God just wants one thing - For us to give our hearts over to His Lordship.  To let go of the past, the anger, the fear, and just trust that He will guide you through it all.  He opens the door for us and sometimes we just have to step through it to see the truth unfold.

While writing this I reviewed Jonah's prayer and a interesting verse stood out to me:

"What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” ¹⁰ And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." ~ Jonah 2:9b-10

Once Jonah submitted to God's Lordship, he was released from his bondage, and the Lord sent him forth to continue His work.  So ask you today, is there any unresolved issues keeping you from doing what God's called you to do?  Is there someone you need to make amends with so that God will open your eyes to your own personal blessing?  Do it today....you won't be sorry!!!

Our Prayer:
Dearest Father, may we learn to rely on you in all our ways.  May we be convicted to reconciliation with all our brothers and sisters the way we we seek to reconcile with you.  Give us wisdom to discern the door as it opens, and the strength to overcome our fear to take that first step.  May we bring honor and glory to you forever and ever.  AMEN!