Good advice--especially if it's a hot day where you live! NOT good advice--especially if it's a hairy day where you live and somebody just TOLD you to "Go jump in the lake!" On the other hand, you may be ready to tell someone YOURSELF to do the same thing! We all have days like that--and so did people in the Bible. They were no different than us--come to the Well and let's find out!

A Helping Word...or Two!

Thrown in the Water - Respecting the Voice of God!

This mystery man was a prophet, doing God's work in God's way--no problem! That is, until one day God told him to go somewhere he didn't want to go! The strong-willed prophet decided that HE should be able to chart his own destination--and off he went to find it. Ended up on a ship bound for Tarshish and his disobedience caught up with him. You've guess who it is, of course--Jonah! He was fine--until a storm arose, and in great fear, he confessed it was all his fault. I'm sure the sailors were ready to tell him to "go jump in the lake," but he volunteered first! "Throw me overboard!"--and they did. Their lives were saved, and one very strong-willed servant of God learned HIS lesson, deep in the belly of the fish.

The lesson? To respect the voice of God--to know there are consequences if you don't! And this mystery man is no different than the rest of us. When God speaks, we'd better listen. Obey NOW or pay later! Jonah learned his lesson the hard way. May we surrender in willing obedience to the voice of God when He says go.....so HE doesn't have to complete the rest of the sentence--whale bellies are not my favorite place to be, how about you!

Walking on the Water - Trusting in the Hand of God!

This mystery man was a disciple...and hardly a mystery to the youngest child who's learned in Sunday School about the man that walked on the water! Peter, of course! Now let's be real--impulsive, foot-in-mouth Peter probably had many moments when his friends told him to "go jump in the lake" - but this time was different! His Savior and Lord lovingly called and he, trustingly, obeyed! I don't think he JUMPED but he sure got out of that boat in some manner...I do believe He trusted in His Lord at that moment just enough to be able to do whatever you're supposed to do when Jesus says, "Come!"

The lesson? To trust in the hand of God...It was there to pick up Peter when he had a fleeting fall, a dip into the deep water--and it will be there for you too. When HE says "Come," He provides all the resources and ability you need to do just that. If He's calling you today, don't hesitate. Let's be like Peter and step out of that boat--no need to jump--just keep our eyes on Jesus, and I have a feeling we're gonna walk, how about you!

Safe in the Water - Resting in the Promises of God!

Our last mystery man was a saint, not always, mind you--he was a big persecutor of the Early Church. Past tense--for one day Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and his life was never the same. Of course, you recognize the story--the Apostle Paul is our man! He lived life "on the edge" in his total dedication to Jesus Christ...and one day that dedication put HIM on the edge...of the ship! Travel on stormy seas became treacherous and the whole crew were petrified--all but Paul. ForGod had spoken that He was going to be with them and no one would perish. But they STILL had to "go jump in the lake"--they did and under the shadow of God's promise, they all safely swam to shore.

The lesson? If Paul could speak, he'd tell you his secret--resting in the promises of God! God had spoken a promise to his heart, so why worry? Why lose sleep! God was in control, His promises were sure and stedfast, and Paul could rely totally on His Lord to bring him safely to shore. And He'll do the same for us...no matter to what extent the ship is breaking apart. God knows--He'll give you strength to swim, or provide a ride on a raft--whatever it takes to fulfil His Word. Let's be like Paul and rest in God's promises--and even if we DO end up in the lake, He'll be there--and He and His promises are all we need!

Now this week, should someone tell you to "go jump in the lake," just smile and remember this week's devotional. Jonah, Peter and Paul did it--and they survived. So will you! Believe it--obey, trust and rest in the God they served--and have a great week!

His Healing Words

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee...fort I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior....(Isaiah 43:2,3)."

"Lord, jumping in lakes is not my thing to do, especially when it's not recreational fun. Today I find myself in the lake--it may be by disobedience, or even lacking the trust I truly need in You. It may be Your provision to bring me to safety on the shore. Whatever the case, Lord, I place my life in Your hands. Whether it's the lake or land, you are Lord--and I know You will be with me--today and forever--as I trust in You, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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