On The Beach

Ever had one of those days when it doesn't seem to matter what you try or what you do, nothing seems to work the way you planned it out? I've had my share of those too. Yesterday was one. I've been working on some stuff in my life that I'd been making good progress on, but yesterday, I hit the wall, melted down and pretty much self-destructed. I could give you more details, but I'd like to keep a shred of dignity so let's leave it at "it wasn't very pretty."

That being said, Barb came with me for a recycle run" and we took some time to help me debrief, re-group and regain my focus on the things that matter most. We prayed together about what we we facing and in that moment Jesus met us. It wasn't a profound "spairitual" experience (like my pastor says...) It was just a real moment, where He came in and changed my perspective, attitude and outlook. Now, this is not the first time He has done this, and I know it won't be the last. He is in fact a specialist at meeting us "on the beach".

John tells us about a time when the disciples were "maxed out" too. Jesus has been crucified and raised from the dead and the disciples are in the process of learning to live, work and minister without the physical presence of Jesus. The disciples decide to go fishing and the worst possible thing happens. They get skunked!! What could be worse for professional fisherman?? It actually does get worse because Jesus calls to them from the shore and asks them if they've caught anything. That's got to be the worst. Getting skunked and having a "shore-ling" ask you how you did...

Jesus tells them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat (which makes ZERO sense) in the natural but they do it anyway and harvest an amazing catch of fish. What I like most about the account is that Jesus met them when they were at their lowest and worst and turned everything around. When they had come to the end of themselves and done all they knew how to do, Jesus walks in, speaks to their situation and in an instant everything changes. Not only did they catch a ton of fish, but Jesus had a fire with some fresh fish baking on it.

Jesus met me on the beach yesterday. It was rich, sweet and powerful. It was gentle, quiet and peaceful. He eliminated my stress, changed my day and turned things around in an amazing way. I love it when He meets me on the beach - it changes everything!

Look - here He calms again...