For the 2002-2003 school year, HCC has been doing an inductive Bible study of the book of Mark. We get to mark Mark with markers. We read the text without numbers or paragraphs or anything. Just one really big long paragraph full of sentences. Yesterday during Sunday school I discovered I and the disciples have something in common. We are both dense, thick-headed human beings that just don't get the point sometimes.

Jesus had just fed four thousand men (not including women and children), and the disciples were freaking out because they were traveling with only one measly loaf of bread with them. Jesus was like "Dude, do you guys not get it??". I was surprised myself. I mean, these twelve disciples have seen Jesus heal the sick in multitudes, control the weather, feed five thousand, speak in parables, raise people from the dead, walk on water, and He had just used seven loaves of bread to feed four thousand maybe an hour before, and they were worried about going hungry?? What more does Jesus have to do to show them that they can trust Him completely, that they don't have to worry about anything when He is there? I was sitting there contemplating that until it finally dawned on me. I'm just like them.

I've seen Him do major works in my life. Sure, it's not like I witnessed miracles like a friend losing an arm then growing it back the next day. Nothing of the sort. However, time and time again He's done spectacular things that I couldn't have asked for anything better or more perfect, but I every now and then I still lack that faith that God has everything under control.

For example, just two Fridays ago, there was Gym Night at FBC, and I intended to invite only one person who I had trying to reach out to for a good long while. I was really reluctant to invite anyone else, but I had extra permission slips in my bag just in case. So much for living outside my comfort zone. Well, by the time Gym Night rolled around, the grand total that ended up going on account of me became four. The next night, one of them genuinely thanked me for inviting him, and I was like "yeah, no problem, anytime", but the truth was he was far off on my radar screen of people to invite, certainly not of "anytime" status. I was scared, I guess…scared of rejection, scared of a different friendship, scared of whatever is that mysterious force that stops me from showing love and spreading the good news of Jesus. Instead, it gave me one step closer to reaching out and saving this person.

That's only one example of my lack of trust for God in which God pulls through anyway. Really, why do I doubt God's ability to do things? Why do I underestimate Him? He's shown countless times how much He can exceed expectations through Camp Impact, social events, friendships, and even through a friend's dream. It's a lesson I've probably learned hundred's of times, but something I still forget. All I have to do is ask, pray for big things with the right heart, and watch God answer it in the most perfect and wise fashion.

posted by justin at 9:39 AM