My children are two of my greatest blessings.  But, sometimes those two little boogers of mine drive me up a wall, HA, HA!  They are very inquisitive (nosey is probably a better word) and ask questions.  Lots. Of. Questions.  I just want to give them instructions and be done.  It never happens that way.  The first response out of both their mouths, 9 out of 10 times, is, “Why, Daddy?!?”  Attempting to give them space to learn and grow I give another response.  Again, they respond, “But, why, Daddy?!?”  A little more in depth this time because apparently my first two answers were not clear enough.  “But, WHY, Daddy?!?”  After about the fourth time and a total loss of patience I state loudly, “Because I said so!”  Don’t judge me.  You’ve probably done the same, HA, HA!  It’s frustrating.  There’s a reason behind every instruction I ever given them.  The majority of the time my reasoning is grounded in providing a safe environment for them to live and grow in.

I’m sure God feels the same way.  Have you ever been given directions from the Holy Spirit and your first response was, “Why?”  I wonder if He ever feels like replying, “Because I said so!”  In Luke 5 we find Jesus ministering to the masses.  When he finishes he asks Simon (Peter) to, “…launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  Simon states, “…Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” (v. 4 & 5)  Jesus was a carpenter by trade.  Simon Peter was an experienced fisherman.  If I were Peter I most likely would have stated, “All due respect, teacher–I think I know a little more about fishing than you do.”  Regardless, he did what was requested.  This submission led to a miraculous moment bringing in so many fish they had to have help from another ship to get their catch to the shore.  Has God ever asked you to do something that didn’t seem logical to you?  You’re in good company.  There are many throughout the Bible who were asked to do things that seemed abnormal and ludicrous (i.e. Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac).  God is fully aware of our limitations.  There isn’t a single bit of information we can inform Him of that He doesn’t already know.  Have you considered He’s simply looking for a few folks that will respond, “I don’t get it, Lord….nevertheless…..”  He is fully aware how powerful He is.  His request isn’t awkward to Him because He knows the outcome.  We’re the ones that need a constant reminder!  

Closing remarks and encouragement:  I firmly believe God desires to do the miraculous in our lives.  Sometimes we can’t seem to shut our mouths long enough to do what we’re told.  A simple, “Nevertheless…” reply could be the catalyst to see God move in our lives in ways we’ve never experienced.  Sometimes we just have to stop thinking so much and simply follow His directions.  Then we might just experience the miraculous in our lives. 

Have a blessed week, my friends!!!