Day Twenty-One: Do Bees

Cease Striving and Know God

     On the third day Jesus rose again and walked among them for 40 days. As followers the disciples had pretty much figured out their role at the feet of Jesus, they were students and Jesus was their teacher. A much more comfortable role than at the foot of the cross. When Jesus appeared after the cruxificion he didn't return to the old way of doing things. He appeared among them at his own will and calling. For these forty days and the days following ascension, I imagine the disciples felt lost and unsure of what their new role would be. As Beth Moore writes, "I'm not sure they knew how they fit into Christ's plans from this side of the grave."
     Do you ever wonder how you fit into Christ's plans? I know we often wonder how Christ fits into our plans but do we ever really try to understand how we fit into Christ's plans. Of all the things I am getting out this study of John, this is the big one I want to truly understand. What is my role in Christ's plans now? I need to have an understanding of what Christ's plans are before I can begin to understand my role in them. Many people are searching for God's purpose for them or trying desparately to do God's will in their lives. I think these are noble challenges but truly taking the time to study and understand Christ and his role in God's plans is the key to finding where we fit in corporately and individually.
         "Cease striving and know that I am God," Psalm 46:10, what a relief that verse brings. Stop and rest your body and your mind and just Know God. This reminds me of a story my dad told of a young scout at camp who stopped unexpectedly on the trail and squatted down. My dad just watched him as he stooped over a rock for several minutes. He finally came in closer and stooped down next to him and saw he was staring at a butterfly on the rock.They stared together for quite some time, my dad saying nothing just being there beside this young boy as he watched the butterfly intently. Finally the boy looked up at him and said, "Isn't that cool."
        How often? How well do you just cease and know God? When is the last time you just turned off your own thoughts and let God enter in?

STUDY GUIDE:

 Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 97-100
 Read John 21:1-7a
 Answer the questions in your study guide.
 Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
 Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

PRAY WITH ME:
Lord, we want to know you more. Thank you for your wonders that help us to stop and take you in. Help us to know you, to understand Christ's plan, and show us how we fit into that plan in our lives today. You are the giver of our purpose of life and we come to you with open hearts and minds. Teach us, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.