HANDLING THE CURRENTS OF LIFE

A few years ago Denise and I went on a much needed Sabbatical - away from the church and ministry.  We needed both rest and a time to reflect on the direction of our lives.  As a result, we ended up at a facility designed for pastors called Sonscape Ministries in Colorado. This time together with some wonderful and gifted leaders became the turning point for our lives and ministry.

One of the first things that was taught to us was a lesson on "Handling The Currents Of Life." We were told of how trout work their way up stream and if they stayed in the current for long periods of time they would tire and die. To be able to maintain their strength there were three things that they needed to do in order to survive: 1) Find a rock and rest behind it  2) Find a quiet pool, or 3) Dive deep.

It is no different with each of us in dealing with the currents of life. We have to find respite in the midst of the stream or we will wither up spiritually and physically.  We must: 1) Get behind THE ROCK - Jesus Christ, 2) Find a quiet place to recharge our batteries or, 3) We must learn to dive deep into God's Word.  The way we manage those currents will make all the difference to our lives and ministry.

There are many currents that we are dealing with in life - finances, health, relationships, school, work, busyness, stress, expectations, etc.  The list could go on and on.

How did Jesus live in the current?

If you read Mark 1:21-39 you will experience a day in the life of Christ and see the "currents" that Jesus was dealt with in one day.

- Vv. 21-22 - Jesus taught.  Believe me - teaching makes one tired. After teaching all day on Sunday - I'm wiped out.

- Vv. 23-28 - Jesus dealt with the spirit world where someone needed deliverance.  This is definitely an energy drainer.

- Vv. 29-31 - Jesus heals Simons mother-in-law.

- Vv. 32-34 - He then healed many people and delivered them.

This all happened in just ONE DAY! WHEW! And you thought your life was filled with stress.

All of these items are exhausting items.  Notice what Jesus does – he goes to pray.  He found that "quiet pool" and spent time there alone.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35 ESV)

He knew that His strength to deal with all the currents of life around Him was in solitude and in prayers.  It is the same with us - your strength comes from spending time with God and in His Word on a daily basis.

As I'm writing this I'm also reflecting on one more lesson taught to us while were at that pastor's retreat center.  It was this: there were no guarantees that the current would diminish or stop when we got home.  In fact, we were told, it could get worse.  But our ability to navigate the strong currents of life would be in direct proportion to our time spent with our Heavenly Father who would give us the strength to face whatever we were going through.

The lesson for all of us is this: Whatever you are going through today - your strength to do so is found at the feet of Jesus who will be your strength no matter what life is throwing your way.  I pray that God would fill your heart with His presence and peace to whatever you are going through and that you would come out on the other side with great victory because you have found the source of life for your current or situation.