Monday, February 16, 2015

A NEW TWIST ON AN OLD STORY


Last week, I took a risk.

I admitted to some less-than-pretty emotions.

I talked about those feelings we get when life is overwhelming, and we feel like we're alone.

Yes, I even 'fessed up to asking *the question* that comes to my lips at times - you know the one - "Where are You, Lord?"

First of all, I must take the time to thank all of you who commented.  I was greatly comforted and encouraged by all you had to say.  And, after all, isn't this how the Body of Christ is supposed to work?  Each of us helping the other, being the "Aaron and Hur arms" when a fellow believer feels weak? So, I greatly appreciate each of you.  For helping my shaky legs to once again stand firm.

But, though this is important indeed, it's not the primary reason I'm writing this post.

I'm writing because God revealed something really huge to me.

Now I don't have actual Scripture to back this up, but I truly feel that God imparted this to me, for it has the ring of truth.

He revealed an insight about one of the stories that I shared with you.  The story about when Jesus sent the disciples into a storm, while He initially stayed behind to pray.

(See Scripture reference:  Matthew 14:22-32, NLT)


My first view of this story was that Jesus had left the disciples alone. While they sailed off into the throes of a storm, Jesus stayed behind to pray.

But then, as I pondered this more, I heard the Holy Spirit speak the most amazing thing to my heart:

"Don't you know why He was praying?  He was praying for the disciples."

I stopped as I heard this - and my heart shifted completely.

Do you remember those optical designs they used to have?  Where there were all those dots, and if you stared long enough, and let your eyes blur just a bit, all of a sudden a hidden 3-D picture would appear?

This is what this moment felt like.

Like I had been looking at the story, but totally missing one VERY significant thing.

In the middle of my own storms, I had been focusing on the boat and the waves.

I had been looking at the disciples, and their plight, and at Jesus' initial absence from them.

I had been looking through *disciple eyes*, not through Jesus' eyes.

For in concentrating (wrongly) on the fact of Jesus' absence, I had completely missed something of much greater importance.

Jesus wasn't absent because He was all about His own agenda.  He wasn't choosing "Him" time over helping the disciples.

No, I now believe that He was praying - not absent from the disciples, but very present as He prayed FOR them.

Knowing about the storm.

Praying for them as they entered the storm.

Asking His Father (their Father) to hold them strong in the storm.

And to bring them through to the other side.


No, Jesus did NOT leave the disciples alone, but was doing one of the strongest things you can do for someone facing storms.  He was praying for them.

I'm not sure I can explain the hush, or the humbling, that came to me as I heard the Holy Spirit add these words:

"And Jesus is in heaven, interceding for YOU."

Yes, this is how God personalized the meaning for me.

He showed me that when I look to the skies and wonder, "Where are You, Lord?" - and when I feel alone - I am forgetting one incredible Truth.

Jesus is at the Father's side, and He is my High Priest.


What a reminder to me of His faithfulness!

Yes, not only is He with me in the storms, I happen to think He's also praying for me. 

I was reminded of the time when Jesus said that the enemy had asked to sift Peter, and Jesus said He was praying for him.  I took the liberty of personalizing this:

"Sharon, Sharon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail..."

And this Scripture:

"I do not ask You to take Sharon out of the world, but to keep her from the evil one."


These are powerful messages.  

We are protected and surrounded, dear ones, by the very words and heart of Jesus!

The thought of Jesus, interceding for us before our Father - well, it has greatly increased my sense that we are truly NEVER alone.

Yes, dear Lord, how precious this thought is to me.

Oh, please forgive me for thinking even one second that You had "abandoned" the disciples.  Forgive me for ever doubting that You are with me.

Forgive me for forgetting that You - YOU! - are my High Priest.

That You understand my deepest groanings when in my pain I cannot utter words.

I wish I could adequately convey my feelings.  And how I am still a bit awed by this revelation.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.  When God takes a very familiar story and reveals a deeper Truth in it.

A truth that both convicts you and comforts you at the same time.

Yes, it is that.


So, picture this moment.  

Forget the storm for a moment, and picture Jesus, on His knees, praying.

Our dearest Jesus - who was no doubt wearied by His own storms - Jesus praying for those He loved.

And, picture Him perhaps doing the same for US now...

...because He loves us.

Incredible.


Sometimes I am chagrined at how easily I can still look at things so wrong. How easily I can be duped into contemplating lies.  How I have to fight my "self" to get to the Truth sometimes.

And yet, even in this, I am led by the Holy Spirit.

Away from *disciple eyes*, and into the perspective of the Lord.

The One who never fails us, nor abandons us.

Even when we wonder about things - like storms, and waves, and sinking beneath overwhelming circumstances.

Even there, He is there.

And He speaks these incredibly beautiful, amazing, comforting words:

"Take courage.  It is I.  Don't be afraid.  I am here."


Ponder the story anew, my friends.

And rest in the wonder of a Savior who intercedes for us.

Knowing about the storms.

Praying for us as we enter the storms.

Asking His Father (our Father) to hold us strong in the storms.

And to bring us through to the other side.


He will.

This I know...





It was to us
that God revealed these things.
For His Spirit
searches out everything
and shows us
God's deep secrets.



"...but [Christ] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.  Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25, ESV)

"Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." (Romans 8:34, ESV)

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever..." (Hebrews 6:19-20, NASB)

"So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT)

"But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you...the one who formed you says, 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you.'' (Isaiah 43:1-5, NLT)

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." 
(Deuteronomy 31:8, NASB)

"'And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, NLT)



Has God ever revealed a *new twist on an old story* to you?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

51 comments:

  1. So many times I have been comforted by that very knowledge, that even when I don't know what or how to pray, Jesus is always there... interceding for me at the deepest level. I love how He directed your heart to deeper understanding on this. I get it. I know that excitement that comes when something becomes crystal clear, and our eyes have seen deeper truth, and we have grown in our faith.

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  2. Thanks Sharon for the reminder that Jesus is praying for us and interceding for us, even right now. That indeed is very comforting and I often forget it myself, but he is the best intercessor we have!

    betty

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  3. It is beautiful to read how God revealed His personal care to you. Indeed, His strong arms carry us in these storms and amidst the turmoil, it is easy to forget that. Your post reminds me somewhat of the famous "footprints" poem. It humbles me as well to think of Jesus interceding for little ole me. Big hugs to you today, Sharon!

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  4. Just now ... through YOU!!! Thanks Sharon. So glad that not only our prayers crashed the gates of heaven to personally go to Our Father with your "cares",needs, burdens, questions ... but that we are confident in this that Jesus is interceding for you and us constantly as He was for His disciples. I love it when the Holy Spirit brings us deeper and captures a much more personal slant to what we read or need. I'm sure that the "storms" did not end the moment that you discovered this Truth, but now you had His strength to comfort, protect and be more confident in facing "wave after wave"... and then you return that Portion to us. I am truly blessed by you. I rely on the Holy Spirit to pray when I don't know how, to stir the Truths from beneath the lies, to steer me directly to the arms of Our Lord as you do, and I know that He found you, you found Him and once again 'being real' with our feelings, God comes and reveals something greater! A hidden gem! A new twist! A better perspective! and a beautiful photo {even if I can't figure it out} it's intriguing! But most of all, it's so humbling to know that Jesus cares and is interceding on our behalf (even if we think we're all alone on this one) ... He knows, He cares and He's there ... So very thankful that we can depend on this and one another in the midst of a storm or sailing in the clear ... "Asking His Father (our Father) to hold us strong in the storms. And to bring us through to the other side." Hope you can see some clearing in the 'storm' and making headway ... to a beautiful day and week with Him by your side. Meanwhile sending prayers, much love and a BIG HUG (((Sharon)))!!!

    Many blessings,
    Peggy

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  5. Hi Sharon! It's so powerful to place your own name into Scripture, isn't it? What I read becomes so much more personal and immediate.
    Thank you for sharing what God told you about Jesus, while the disciples took off in the boat. Not only is it true to your mission of "Sharon Sharing God", but it gives us all a wonderful perspective on the love that the Lord has for all his people. Even the ones closest to him, his own Apostles.
    Have a blessed day :)
    Ceil

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  6. A powerful testimony, Sharon, of God's strength. I say, "Amen" with you as I do believe that Jesus was with them as He prayed for them.
    Spurgeon writes, "If you know these two things--yourself a sinner and Christ a Saviour it is looking from yourself to Jesus." May we look from ourselves to Christ and see Him as He is.
    I love the photo at the bottom. Such growth and change has occurred in that piece of wood. It reminds me of the way we are...for each place we grow to be more Christlike, we also may have a hard-knock or a barnacle-like growth that doesn't feel beautiful, but is to the Lord for he has brought us through a tough place.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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  7. Yes!!! He was praying for them and for me and you!! this is so good, Sharon. God is strengthening you IN your storm and walking WITH you to the other side. You will be victorious friend!! Thank you for encouraging us and being honest. ♥

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  8. Several times Sharon and it always encourages me to live more fully for Him. We ladies on our bible study just went over the scriptures with a fine tooth comb in which He calls us who have not seen Him in the flesh are blessed. I get cold chills just thinking on this, to know He thought about me way down in the future along with all who would believe. It' makes being born in this day and age exciting and worthwhile. good post as always.

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  9. God is so good at revealing Himself to us in a way that suits our fancy. To open up the scripture so that you could see something different and realize that Jesus is still praying for us that our faith fail not. There is so much in scripture that we have not scratched the surface but He is willing to take us to new heights and new depths if we are willing. Thank you for sharing your wonderful post with us here at Tell me a True Story.

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  10. Sharon, I was thinking the other day of a similar story about the disciples' freaking out when Jesus was asleep in the boat during the storm. Even when it seemed like he was doing 'nothing' He was there and moving behind the scenes all along.

    Your insights are a comfort, too. Isn't God good to give us revelations of Himself? Keep on sharing, Sharon :-) your words are a blessing.
    Visiting from the Small Wonder link up Community.

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  11. Thank you Sharon for sharing this - Thank you Lord for loving me and still interceding for me, what an insight and blessing.

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  12. Beautiful thoughts...and beautifully shared. Thank you.

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  13. "No, I now believe that He was praying - not absent from the disciples, but very present as He prayed FOR them."

    That gives me chills, Sharon. What a great insight! We somehow delegate prayer to being a "lesser" thing sometimes, but it's a very present way to help! Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  14. Thank you for sharing what God spoke to you....beautiful, encouraging, and empowering! Prayer is a powerful tool..Jesus uses it too...hugs, R

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  15. I do believe you're right... Jesus was interceding for the disciples in the boat, and He is interceding for me now. That is just ... a stunningly beautiful insight.
    Thanks SO much for expressing this, Sharon.

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  16. What a lovely insight! Thank you for sharing!

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  17. I love this insight! And it's amazing Jesus still does that for us today. Thanks for sharing at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  18. Wonderful revelation of a hidden truth. Thanks for sharing!

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  19. Amen! Jesus is in heaven interceding for us--what a beautiful truth and promise. We really are NEVER alone.

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  20. First off, I have to say that the picture of the cave with water at the top right of your blog looks so much like one that I've had reoccurring dreams about that it stops me in my tracks every time. I've never been there in real life. Just had dreams about it. Do you know where that picture was taken?

    And this Bible story you wrote about has special meaning to me in this walk as my young son is battling leukemia. I had never taken time to ponder one way or the other what Jesus was up to. I was always focused on the disciples and their fear. You've given me an interesting new twist to ponder today. Thank you for that!

    God's blessings.
    Jenni

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  21. What a great breakthrough! Thank you for sharing this with me.

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  22. This is so good! I am going to post this on the SDG FB page - so many great insights and definitely truth!

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  23. I enjoy all the posts you share on your blog. You write as if you're sitting across the table having a discussion with me. I love that you share your experiences with the Lord and His word here on your precious blog.
    God bless.
    Sending my love,
    Chris
    So Much At Home

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  24. God is using you in a remarkable way to help the rest of us see these things too, my dear friend. He has put that gift in you! If I had a bucket list, sitting and talking to you would be on it :) Blessings!

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  25. This is what I call a "divine smack" (in the nicest possible way lol ;) I've never thought of that story in that way before! Its beautiful and so true. Thanks for sharing your heart with us for Tuesday Talk! - Jess
    www.sweetlittleonesblog.com

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  26. What a marvelous revelation, Sharon! The image of Jesus praying for each of us and walking with us in the storms is inspiring and comforting. Thank you for sharing this with us!
    Blessings, my friend!

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  27. A wise perspective, Sharon. This is exactly what my spirit needs today. There used to be an old picture of "Footprints in the Sand" where a man gets to heaven and asks God why in the toughest times in his life there were only one set of footprints in the sand… and God told him, "It was in those most difficult times that I carried you…"

    I'm being lifted up today.

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  28. I love it when God reveals something deeper about a story that is so familiar to me. It is so great. Thank you for sharing your revelation with us! I will carry this truth with me always! Jesus really does care and intercede for us! (Glad to be your neighbor today at Thought Provoking Thursdays.)

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  29. love this. What a powerful new perspective!

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  30. Oh friend. I am not a crier. But this just made two big fat tears roll down my cheeks. My heart and spirit so needed this... I needed Jesus eyes and to stop looking through my disciple lens.

    Thank you. A million times over.

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  31. Okay maybe not. lol. BUT what I said the first time was just this . . . I cannot wait to hug you in real life!!!! You bring light to this online world. So blessed by you. So loved this post! Much love. xoxo

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  32. Space and time do not allow for a full rendering of the storms that have re-shaped the shoreline that is my life. I've had my share; and then some. I've both cried at God, then out to Him. I've shook my fist is anger and raised my hand in praise. I could so relate to every line you've penned here. Precious.

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  33. Such a comfort to know that He cares this much for us, that He would intercede for us! Amazing!

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  34. Knowing I'm not alone, that He's always there, in my corner, running with me and has plans...that's the most comforting thing ever. And that He takes the yuck stuff, the painful and turns it for something good. Hugs Sharon. Have a great week out there.

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  35. God is constantly revealing new things to me. When it happens, it feels like a light bulb that lights up and I can honestly say at that time, "I was blind, but now I see." While going through a storm I once told a future employer, "I do not know what my future holds, but I definitely know who holds my future."

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  36. As I was reading what God dropped in your heart, I was thinking, "yeah, makes sense--He lives to make intercession for us still today." And then you said just that! I needed this reminder for sure, Sharon. Thank you. :)

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  37. Sharon,

    What a precious post! It's so hard to put those "personal moments" into words, but you did it so well! (attested to by all the comments!) I, also, like to think of God as a Father who is growing us. Just as when our children start walking we let them take those first few steps on their own, we're always there to catch them. God is always right there, too, but He's growing and stretching our faith and trust in Him.

    Thanks so much for linking up at "Mondays @ Soul Survival." Pinning to my "Mondays @..." board. Blessings!

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  38. I love how you place your name in the verse. I do the same thing when I take notes, it makes such a bigger impact.

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  39. What a wonderful revelation for you and for you to share with us. Thank you for linking up at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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  40. Sharon, how beautiful! And how powerful when we personalize scripture with our name. A wonderful reminder that He does indeed know who we are! And He never leaves us! Visitng you today from #livefreethursday

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  41. Sharon, what powerful words today to remind us to "Take courage. It is I. Don't be afraid. I am here." LOVE that! #livefreeThursday
    Have a great weekend, Kim Stewart
    http://www.kimstewartinspired.com

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  42. I am humbled by your story because in the midst of struggles I find I am the person who is asking "Where are you Lord?" instead of stepping back to realize that He is right there. Your "Aha" moment is such a great reminder of the power of prayer and the power of God in our lives. Blessed you shared this with The Weekend Brew.

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  43. This is beautiful insight Sharon. I've cried plenty of "where are you Lord"'s over the last months. My life has become unsteady, but I've taken my eyes off of Him. Thank you for the reminder that God cares so much for me and intercede on my behalf.

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  44. It is truly precious to think of our Lord interceding for each one of us. May we all draw strength from the words you have shared. Blessings!

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  45. This is so wonderful, Sharon. I love this insight God gave you and now you've shared it with us! Thank you!

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  46. Oh wow! Oh wow! What a wonderful and beautiful revelation and not one that I had previously considered. Our Lord is interceding for us... beautiful.

    Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

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  47. I love this post! Insightful and inspiring. I love hearing how the Lord reveals truth to His children.

    Thank you so much for sharing it at Grace at Home--I'm featuring you this week!

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  48. Just lovely! I love the thought that the same Jesus who died on the cross for us is praying for us. Thanks for writing this.

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  49. Such a beautiful revelation, Sharon. To think that our dear and wonderful Lord cares enough to forgo His Own interests, even now, and not only think about us, but intercede to the Father on our behalf, continually. We ARE His interests. As the song says, "Such love cannot be fathomed, 'tis like the boundless sea, His broken heart - so wounded, is pleading now for thee." Dear Lord, how grateful we are for that Divine love...extended to us...now...in these turbulent storms of our own lives.

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  50. Hello again. I just wanted you to know that I featured this post on this week's link up at somuchathome.blogspot.com.
    God bless.
    Chris

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  51. A powerful thought--giving me food for my own prayer life. I don't know that I thank Him for interceding for me in the way you presented it here. Truly--when I don't know what to pray--HE IS praying.
    Joy!
    KAthy

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)