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[alert color=”black”]TODAY’S READING – Ch. 12: Follow Him  (Pg. 132 – 142)[/alert]

Years ago when I was a teen, my family and I took a boating trip with a couple. We lived in Corpus Christi, Texas and the couple wanted to take us to this remote island in Gulf of Mexico. They did not have a big boat, but reassured us it would be fine for this journey.

So we took off for the island feeling confident they knew what they were doing. Halfway there the boat’s motor began making odd sounds and eventually died on us. I remember staring at our surroundings while thinking we are in the middle of nowhere.  There was no land to be seen, no ships passing by and I thought I saw a shark swimming by us.

The water was so clear and peaceful and made me thankful for the beauty of this moment. All of a sudden this huge cargo ship came near us and churned up enormous waves effectively bringing an end to that peaceful moment.

It made all of us a little sick and scared us as the waves made our tiny boat bobble side to side. I had only experienced this feeling one other time when I rode a roller coaster. I did not like that felling then and I especially did not like it in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. In the pit of my stomach, I knew something was wrong.

We finally got a hold of someone who could come and tow us to shore, but unfortunately he would not arrive for close to an hour. Luckily, we had food packed for this trip and so we decided we would chance it and eat in the wavy surroundings. When our rescue arrive, we were all surprised how quickly the time had passed.

We begged for our rescue to take us to the remote island before returning to the main land and he did. After exploring the island, we finally made it back to the mainland thanks to the guy with the towboat.

This story almost seems peaceful does it not? I mean it reads like we had everything under control. We had a little hiccup on the trip but we faced it and went on with our day. Or did we?

Our goal for this trip was to see a remote island. But, the purpose was missed until the hiccup. We fellowshipped with others during the hectic time of this adventure. The fellowship might of started off stormy with the panic of us being stuck in the middle of an ocean, but we banded together to make it better.

I know for a fact all of us screamed out to God to help us survive as the big ship came inches from us. He was there all along, guiding us to a safe place and filling us with peace.

Reminds me of a story in the Bible when a few disciples and Jesus were sailing and along came this storm.

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  {Mark 4:35-40}

We want to be like that boat adventure I described above; to go along sailing with our own goals of reaching that island without help.  What we don’t realize is that it is not a purpose but a goal, and we need help with those goals. Seeking help with those goals changes it into a purpose. And it is God’s purpose that is the ultimate way of life.

You see in the verses from Mark remind us to step out in faith. Jesus gives us peace when we look to him no matter the weather or how high the waves crash around you.  He cares for you and me and wants our lives to be purposeful for Him. Without Jesus we cannot achieve our goals. He wants us to Follow Him and our purpose.

Lara Casey reminds us in this chapter that Jesus’s beckoning of, “Follow me” is a call to action.

“Are you willing to give up the chase for perfect in favor of the one and only thing that will bring you true contentment? If you feel hesitant, focus on the alternative in what chasing perfect makes you feel. The fruit of following Him, on the other hand, is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5: 22– 23 ESV). Following Him takes worry and fear and replaces them with contentment and faith.” – Lara Casey

I can have the best car, clothes, blog or business, but if I do not use those things to bring glory to God, they are worth nothing.  To possess all of the latest and greatest does not provide contentment, it may provide temporary happiness, but it is not your purpose. God has given you some talent, why not use it for Him? Leave worry and fear behind and trust in Him! Surrender and live with purpose.

You can float in the ocean waves getting nowhere or you can ask Jesus for help to get to your island.

I have been where I feel like life is just floating past me as I chased after a dream because I wanted things of the world. My selfish ways did not help me in these situations because they just got in my way. But, when I go to God and ask Him for His will to be done in me, miraculous things start happening in my life. My life is full of purpose and I am complete. I have conquered my island!

What is your island? What thing do you want to have happen that seems too unreachable? What if the unreachable is more obtainable if you simply follow Him?

[alert color=”black”]DAILY TASK
Are you pursuing happiness or Him?  Write out all the areas of your life where you invest your time and energy in your Study Journal or a notebook and date it.  Need ideas of how to start, see Pg. 134-135 in your book.  Next to each category write whether you are seeking happiness or Him.  Pray that God will give you wisdom to know how to surrender every aspect of your life to Him.[/alert]

A little music for the journey…

I have a friend who introduced me to this song. Each time this person would board a plane, they would listen to this song on their iPod. It is a song of God calling you to follow Him, to come away with Him.

He has a plan for you and me, so hold on tight because it is going to wild, great and full of Him!  Open up your heart and follow Him.

 Supplies for the journey…

• Have you joined our exclusive Facebook group?
  The Intentional Filling is a place to grow in your faith individually, but also grow through the life experiences, prayers and support of the community members.
• Want a daily reminder to be strong and courageous?
  Order the Print Pack of 3 – 8×10 digital prints designed by the community’s own Betsy Gettis, exclusively for the Intentional Filling community.

[divider type=”dashed” color=”grey”] [row-start] [three-fourths]Amy Fleeker is a stay at home mom who has been married for 18 years and has three teens whom she homeschools. She loves the Lord with all her heart and loves to share that love with all she meets.

You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.
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