When the earth moves

You are Simon son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).
John 1:42 (NIV)

Earthquakes move rocks--and people. And when the ground under our feet begins to shake, our view of the world changes. Something like that happened to a first-century fisherman named Simon when Jesus came into his life.

The scene is the Sea of Galilee. The crowds had gathered to hear Jesus of Nazareth speak and a small group of fisherman cleaned their nets nearby after a long night of fishing. Jesus sat down to teach, using Simon's boat as a pulpit.

When Jesus finished His teaching, He turned to Simon--who was a captive audience at the time. His instructions to "put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch" may have come across to Simon more like an order than a suggestion. (Luke 5:1-11) They ran contrary to everything he knew about fishing. Fishing in the Sea of Galilee was done at night near the shore; not in the daytime out in the deep. Even though he had been unsuccessful, he was certainly an expert. Consequently, it's logical that Simon responded, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything."

The story is told that the Duke of Wellington, the British commander who defeated Napoleon's forces at the Battle of Waterloo, once gave a command to one of his generals, who then responded that it was an impossible command to execute. The Duke told him, "You go ahead and do it because I don't give impossible commands." Jesus doesn't give impossible commands either--a truth Simon discovered when he ultimately obeyed.

Initially it may appear that Simon questioned Jesus' command. However, the text also says, "But because you say so, I will let down the nets." Even though all his professional knowledge told him it was a big waste of time, Simon did what he was told. What was the result? Although it seemed utterly impossible, a huge number of fish were caught at the wrong time and in the wrong way. Simon Peter found himself in the presence of the One who could do the impossible.

Simon's immediate response was not about all the fish he caught, but about the One who accomplished it. He recognized that he was in the presence of God, and he was "astonished" because what had transpired was beyond reason, description or explanation. Jesus revealed Himself as supreme in the realm where Simon was most familiar, most skilled and most adequate.

One commentator states that in Simon Peter's response, "Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man," it's as if he says "I'm not worth it, Lord. Give up on me. I failed You when You called me before, and I will fail you again. Call someone worth Your time and trouble. Call someone You can trust. You once said that I'd be called Rock, but there's no rock in me. Give me up. I'm a sinful man." Yet Christ's love would not let Simon go.

Jesus laid claim to all that Simon was, and He began by using what little Simon had. He invited Simon on an adventure of faith that would radically transform his life, and Jesus was prepared to do whatever it took to make him into Peter, which means "rock."

We can learn a lot from Simon Peter's journey to become "rocklike." In the strength that only Jesus can give, we, too, can become stable and consistent. Are you ready to be moved, my friend?

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

90 / 10

"I am going there to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2 (NIV)

Pulling over to the side of the road, the driver of a loaded-down SUV rolled down the vehicle's window and inquired, "My family is moving to the town up ahead. What can you tell me about the people?"

"What were the folks like in the town you left?" replied the fellow who stood on the roadside.

"They were great! Kind, generous, and helpful," the motorist responded.

"Well, that's what you'll find up ahead," came the encouragement.

Packed to the hilt, the minivan stopped alongside the road and the driver asked, "My family is moving to the town up ahead. What can you tell me about the people?"

What were the folks like in the town you left? replied the fellow standing on the roadside.

"They were horrible. Selfish, self-centered, and thought only of themselves," the driver answered.

"Well, that's what you'll find up ahead," was the reply.

So, the decision has been made. You're moving. Moving is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent tactics. Granted, not all relocations are of our choosing. How we respond to the transition, however, is up to us.

Not surprising, God's Word offers us beautiful insight into moving. Let's look at the life of Jesus as He prepared to leave this earth and return to His Father in heaven.

Luke 9 tells us that Jesus set out with deliberate determination for Jerusalem. A time was fixed for His leaving. Setting His face like flint, He knew the time and He had a clear, certain foresight of the plan. Convinced He was not alone, He was certain He would not fail, become discouraged, nor be disgraced or ashamed. What confidence!

Concerned for those He was leaving behind and anticipating their future hardships, Jesus prepared His disciples for what was to come. He told His friends about His imminent betrayal; counseled them about His suffering, death, and resurrection; encouraged their troubled hearts; assured them He would send another Counselor, the Holy Spirit, in His place; and promised a future bearing much fruit. Praying for their protection, He left out nothing. What compassion!

Whether a move is planned or unplanned, expected or unexpected, wanted or unwanted, it can quickly become a truckload of anticipation and enthusiasm thrown together with a trailer full of disillusionment and disappointment at unmet expectations.

Take heart, my friend! No matter what journey you are on, no matter where your travels take you, you can make it. If you remain confident in Who is leading you and show compassion to those who journey alongside, it can be a real moving experience!

Below are basic strategies that have helped my family pack up our belongings and unpack them again in a different home. Also, check out After the Boxes are Unpacked, an excellent resource for those in the throes of moving.

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Prepare

• Be patient. Give lots of reassurance to those involved in your move.

• Purchase a notepad, e.g., legal pad, spiral notebook.

• Start lists, e.g., addresses that require updating (insurance, bank accounts), utility changes, school documentation needs.

• Keep appointments with your current dentist, doctor, hair stylist, veterinarian, etc. This buys you time at your new location.

• Set aside an emergency fund for unexpected financial needs. New construction, resale, or rental, no house is perfect.

• Assemble a "survival box" (for the new location) that includes trash bags, toilet paper, black marker, masking tape, ibuprofen.

Position

• Mark boxes for transport, e.g., son's room, master bedroom, kitchen.

• Provide a treat for those helping you move, e.g., donuts, pizza.

• Don't get too upset over broken things. Something always breaks or gets damaged. Remember, they are just things.

• Relax and go with the flow.

Push on

• Expect a positive outcome.

• Unpack one room at a time. Get out of boxes as soon as possible; but remember, Rome wasn't built in a day.

• Ask questions.

• Find a church home.

• Meet the neighbors (write down their names), borrow an egg, bring them a batch of brownies.

• Ask for referrals, e.g., nearest hospital, plumber, babysitters, car mechanic.

• Go to the Chamber of Commerce for local information.

• Make it feel like home, hang pictures (spackle is your friend).

• Hold off large decorating projects. Experience your house. Walk around its rooms. Imagine the possibilities.

• Remember those you left behind. Your leaving created a hole in their hearts, too. Think of them with a phone call, e-mail, or card.