Stressed? Personal Plans Spoiled?

“As soon as Jesus heard the news
(about John being beheaded),
he went off by himself in a boat
to a remote area to be alone.
But the crowds heard where he was headed
and followed him by land from many villages.
A vast crowd was there as he stepped from the boat,
and he had compassion on them and healed the sick. ”
(Matthew 14:13)

Have you ever been resentful because
your personal plans got spoiled?
And you acted out in anger
at whoever
because you didn’t get to do
what you wanted to do?

Jesus could have been resentful.
After all, He just wanted some “down time,”
some time out of the office!
He wanted some alone time to pray,
but instead
He had compassion
He healed the sick.

Jesus was able to handle the pressure
and his plans being interrupted because
He stayed connected to HIS source . . .
“I live by the power of the living Father who sent me;
In the same way, those who partake of me
will live because of me.” (John 6:57)

Jesus was God-focused . . . not self-focused
thus able to focus on others and to serve them.

“Immediately after this,
Jesus had his disciples get back into the boat
and cross to the other side of the lake while
he sent the people home. Afterward,
Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray.”
(Matthew 14:22-23a)

While Jesus was praying
the disciples, skilled fishermen / boatmen,
got into serious trouble on the lake!
Strong winds. Heavy waves.
At 3am, Jesus went to them through the storm
and said to them . . .
“It’s all right. I am here! Don’t be afraid.”
(Emphasis added)

Those words jumped right off the page
and slapped me right alongside my head!

Do I understand that Jesus

is not standing on the outside of the storm watching
but rather that he is in the storm with me?

is no respecter of persons!
He comes to me, and He comes to you,
right smack dab in the middle
of every bad-hair, stressed-filled day,
and He speaks those same words of comfort

I will stay connected to my source, Jesus,
through the word of God
through prayer
and I will be still and hear. . .

Dear Arlene,
"It’s alright!
I'm here!
Don’t be afraid!
Love,
Jesus"