Not What I Was Expecting

Warriors Arise: September 23, 2020

John 21:7-10 (NKJV) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

We can't let this pass us by. The disciples were not expecting Jesus to have breakfast ready for them when they arrived on shore, but He did. There are too many times God provides for us when we haven't even asked. They happen so conveniently; it's likely we don't even thank God. We are like the disciples, it has been a long, difficult night and having someone take care of us and provide for our needs is tremendously welcome. It is so natural that we welcome it without giving it a second thought. Here, the disciples know it is Jesus who has provided for them. But in your and my situation, do we recognize where the provision has come from?

For example, today has been a very productive day. Even though I had to get more done today, everyone got done with their school work early and I am free to write my blog hours before I normally get a chance to slip away and write. Now, I do have to say, I applied yesterday's blog. I prayed this morning when I got out of bed and asked for the Lord to make my day productive. I was able to get my walk in this morning. I prayed for understanding for the kids as I taught their lessons, wisdom on how to teach their lessons, and for time together as a family. God continues answer my prayers from this morning.

I have been working diligently today and realize that while I was out in the boat working, Jesus was preparing for family time when my work would be done. Jesus had made breakfast for Peter and the disciples. Tonight I look forward to time with my family, without a list of work to do. I will praise the Lord for He has set aside time to be together.

You may not think of this as a big deal, but when you have two kids in high school extra curricular activities, it is difficult to get time as a family. I embrace this opportunity and look forward to my time with my husband and children. Now when my oldest calls, there will be time to chat to our hearts content.

This morning, I had expectations for tonight. I figured after supper I would write my blog while the kids finish their homework and projects, practicing band pieces and cleaning their rooms. But not tonight, those things are done and we will have family time! Praising Jesus! He has provided this, just as He provided for the disciples when they spent all night fishing.

Father, I praise You today for hearing my prayers this morning. Giving my day over to You at the beginning has been extremely uplifting. Everything on my schedule is complete and You created time for me to relax and connect as a family without long to-do lists. I pray I recognize when You want to provide these special times for me and my family. I know they won't happen every day, but when they do, I know You have made a way to bring some refreshing and relief to a difficult, stressful, and relentless day. You desire for me to have moments when I pull away from my to-do lists and be with You, fellowship with family and be in Your presence. I pray I would be aware of Your provision for me and my family. I ask for families across America to see and seize these opportunities. I pray they would use the time to invest in each family member, supporting, encouraging and connecting. I pray for American households to see Jesus providing family time. I pray each one would take an active part in being involved in a positive way in each of their family members. I ask for You to come and guide each one. Turn the hearts of the parents toward their children and the hearts of the children back to their parents. I ask for Your lovingkindness to flow through each one in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.