“Disruptions are God’s way to accelerate His will and clarify His calling.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 22, 2022
For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:9-11, NLT
Interruptions in life are frequent and mostly temporary. A friend may call unexpectedly, seeking prayer or advice. But as we say goodbye, I am mostly focused back on the business at hand. Interruptions happen, but life is not severely altered going forward. Disruptions are different. The pandemic, 9/11, health issues, a prodigal child, career transition, bankruptcy, divorce and death are disruptions—forever changing a person’s life and the world. Disruptions are permanent and pervasive in their influence. Whether experiencing an interruption or a disruption, I have to ask myself, “What is God’s heart, what does He want me to learn, how can I grow more like Jesus?”
Jesus totally disrupted the lives of Peter, James and John. With compelling love, the Lord blessed their fishing business in a way that illustrated how He wanted to bless their lives. A calling to redirect their entrepreneurial skills and experience to apply them toward blessing people. These successful men in the marketplace were called to be all about their heavenly Father’s business—loving people to Jesus! With a humble cry, Peter confessed his unbelief. Jesus forgave him. Then Peter eagerly obeyed. Disruptions are God’s way to accelerate His will and clarify His calling.
“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man” (Luke 5:8, NLT).
Do you see God opportunities in life’s disruptions? Like Peter are you positioned with a humble heart and obedient spirit? How the Holy Spirit leads you may not make sense, it may even seem absurd. You may feel like it is a waste of time to cast your net of trust into the shallow water during the day when you know from experience the best results are in the deep waters at night. But God! But God knows what you need and how you need to get there. Follow Jesus with a whole heart, and trust He has your best interest at heart. The Lord uses disruptions for His good.
Most of all, lean into the Lord during lean times and ambiguous days. His love will guide you in His way. Frustration, anger and offense only distract from a deeper relational intimacy with your Creator and with those who love you most. Stay faithful to learn and love, as Jesus has loved you. Remember whose you are. Embrace viscerally your identity in Christ as His beloved child. The utmost disruptive events of the cross and resurrection are God’s greatest expressions of love.
Henri Nouwen, the radiant lover of God, describes so potently our proximity to Christ’s love:
“God loved you before you were born, and God will love you after you die. In Scripture, God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” This is a very fundamental truth of your identity. This is who you are whether you feel it or not. You belong to God from eternity to eternity. Life is just a little opportunity for you during a few years to say, “I love you, too.”
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you” (Psalm 143:8, NLT).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, use disruptions in my life for me to flourish in my abundant life with you, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What disruption in my life does the Lord want to use to move me out of my comfort zone and into His blessing zone?
Related Reading
1 Samuel 16:5-13; Psalm 102:27; Esther 4:14; Acts 9:1-30; Romans 8:28
Worship Resource
Maverick City feat. Naomi Raine & Mav City Gospel Choir: Revelation 19:1
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
