captain jesus
"They wanted to take Him into the boat, but suddenly it came aground on the shore they had been approaching." —John 6:21
When you ask Jesus to get into your boat, you reach the other side of the lake immediately without any effort. Are you trying too hard? Isn't your yoke easy and your burden light? (Mt 11:30) Then something's wrong. You don't have to row so hard. Invite Jesus into your boat, that is, your life, church, marriage, family, and work. It's dark; a strong wind is blowing (Jn 6:17-18). The sea is becoming rough; you feel afraid (Jn 6:18-19). But as soon as you choose to take Jesus into the boat, put down the oars, you're already there.
The early Church was almost effortlessly growing in numbers and maturity. Suddenly a storm came up. The water became rough and the rowing difficult. They had a problem in "the daily distribution of food" (Acts 6:1). The apostles were told they should try harder and row harder. Instead, they devoted themselves to "prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). They turned the boat of the Church over to Captain Jesus. Then they had smooth sailing. "The word of God continued to spread, while at the same time the number of disciples in Jerusalem enormously increased" (Acts 6:7).
Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for slowing things down by trying to help You too much.
Promise: "They presented these men to the apostles, who first prayed over them and then imposed hands on them." —Acts 6:6
Praise: It wasn't until Joseph took steps each day to let go of his special intentions that he saw God work.
Reference: (Register your daughters now for Summer Camp at the Paul Jansen Discipleship Center. Camp John Paul II, June 13-17, 2005, is for girls eight to thirteen. To register or for more information, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 2004
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