LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  241 

(June 19, 2009)

A couple of weeks ago I told you about the Bible study Living Room would be starting today, John Ortberg’s “If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat.” It’s based on the story of Peter, leaving the boat in the midst of a storm and walking to Jesus.

There were six of us at this first session. More will be joining us in the future.

I’ve been looking forward to this study, knowing I needed it to help me rebuild my trust in God. Knowing I needed some spiritual food. My friend Helen is facilitating and she is an excellent teacher, a spirit-led person. Her influence has been a big part of my growth, ever since I first started going to her studies and since she became my friend and mentor.

I’ve been praying a lot over this study, believing that God would answer, that he would help me rebuild my strength with its help.

God did not let me down. By chewing with the other participants on what it meant to leave our boat and what it meant to focus on Jesus and trust in him, I do feel strengthened and encouraged.

After today’s lesson I can see that I’ve been focusing too much on my troubles, my illness, my waves. I’ve been focusing on those instead of on Jesus and the work God has given me to do. And when you focus on the waves instead of on Jesus, you tend to sink – you start thinking of what’s within your own power instead of what’s within God’s power.

Tonight I feel bright awake – alive. What a wonderful feeling!