Monday!

"No one gets to the Father except through me"

I met a very interesting and thoughtful young man today.  He has a big heart... but it is rather confused (as we all get).  I empathize with him... I know what it feels like to be lost, and grabbing and reaching for your faith that used to be there so tangibly.  It's like Truth and Grace were at the tip of your tongue and then in an instant, what was once felt to be there is gone.  Leaving you with unintelligible fragments of thoughts, deeds, and emotions.

How, when we find ourselves in the spiritual vortex, do we find relief and solid ground?
A: Well... It isn't a quick fix.  Nor a platitude we can simply apply and patch up.  The answer is found by walking (and it's not blowing aimlessly in the wind) in the company of the wise and faithful.  Just as Peter did when he stepped out of the boat.  He was sinking amongst the wind and the waves, right as he was experiencing the power of CHRIST!!! Reaching out his hand, Jesus rescued him... and then he kept walking along side Jesus.  Learning... Growing... Failing... Learning... and then one day... Leading.  Peter was in a process.  Jesus didn't smack him with some "SPIRIT-JUICE" and then send him on his way.  He wanted Peter to grow and become a stronger, wiser, and God-filled Peter.  Beautifully, this happens over a period of time of being faithful to follow.