Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV) 
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

How many of us can relate to these words: "I know what it means to be in need?” We all have seasons when we struggled. These struggles took many forms - financial, health, relationships, or even faith. Losing a job is devastating, and hearing a terminal diagnosis stops us in our tracks. Hearts are broken when relationships shatter. Even our faith is put to the test.

Then there are those times of plenty, when life is smooth and flowing steady. Money is not an issue and giving comes more naturally.  Our health problems have been cured, the relationship mountain has been scaled and our faith is flourishing.

For many, faith grows when faced with the stark facts of life, and they turn to God for deliverance. Where do you find yourself these days? Are you in the midst of unimaginable grief and pain?  Or is this a season that you are feeling free spirited and excited about tomorrow?

We know that where ever we find ourselves today, tomorrow it might be totally different. But, with faith we will be okay.  With faith, tomorrow could be a turning point. If you have plenty, share with those who don't. If you find yourself needing a hand, don't be afraid to take reach out and take it.

Philippians 4:10-19

They left everything and followed

Luke 5:8-11New International Version (NIV)

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

At first glance, one might think this was Peter's first encounter with Jesus. If we are concentrating on Luke 5 and not what came before, it might seem Jesus called Simon Peter, James and John out of the blue. But, Jesus had been around for a while. John the Baptist preached of this man, "the one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie," and if Peter did not meet him before, he likely of heard of him.

The town must have been buzzing with stories of the man who preaches in the synagogues, quoting from the Book of Isaiah; this prophet who healed and drove out evil spirits. It is likely Simon Peter and the others knew of Jesus before the day they left everything and followed. 

It is just that this day was the turning point for these men. Can you identify with a turning point moment?  Have you experienced one day time when you just knew things were going to be different; you were going to be different. 

Life-changing events are forever engrained in our hearts and minds. I can recall the moment I knew I needed more in my life than what was currently happening. There have been moments since when similar emotions caused a day to stand out from others as important - some monumental. 

All the miracles Simon knew of before this day, paled when Jesus reached directly in Simon Peter's life and grabbed hold of him. When Simon Peter fell to Jesus' knees and called him LORD, he recognized Jesus' identity. He could do no less than drop everything and follow.

How many of us experienced a moment like this? Does anyone care to share? Our stories can make the difference in someone else's life.

Luke 5:8-11