What an Adventurous Life!

 

Do you ever take time to quietly sit back and MARVEL at what God has done in your life? 

I have been in Denver, Colorado for the past couple of days. Since I have been here I have heard stories of how God has worked in the lives and congregations of some pretty amazing people. We prayed over a young man getting ready to start a "Micro-Church" we heard from another gentleman who has had years and years of blessings through ministry. His genuine wisdom was so encouraging. We have laughed and told stories about Sermon "Fails." We have shared personal stories of joys and tragedies. All of that gets me thinking of the ADVENTURE we call life. 

AND then I read Acts 23 today. In the midst of Paul's ADVENTUROUS life, JESUS appears to him.

"That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, 'Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well." (Acts 23:11)

Paul had just experienced a violent confrontation with the high council. At one point Luke rcords that the commander was afraid the Jews were going to tear Paul apart. But, Jesus appears and says, BE ENCOURAGED! HAHAHA! I am sorry, I have to laugh at that. It seems like a strange place to tell someone to be encouraged. But, God had some more wonderful adventures for Paul. He had more ministry for him and this gentle encouragement had to provide a lot of peace for Paul in the midst of such turmoil.

As I sit back and MARVEL at what God has done in my 64 years of Life, listening to some worship music, while the sun is rising over Denver, I feel the same kind of peace Paul must have felt. I feel like Jesus is giving the same message he gave Paul. I have SO MUCH MORE planned for you. It is an encouragement to know that God is right beside me on this wonderful adventure we call life. Thank You Lord! I praise you for life, the good, the bad, the stresses, the joys, the tears, the laughter, what has happened in my past and the things yet to come.