My experience in giving my life fully to Jesus as Savior and Lord, and Ruler of my destiny has been quite an adventure. Learning to follow the leading of the Spirit, as hard as that is to understand, has opened a world I had no idea existed, shattering my small world view.
Following Jesus definitely leads to a life of caring for and serving people which often ends up in misunderstanding, jealousy and stressful chaos. The surprising discovery is realizing it’s all a set up for the supernatural to operate in full swing destroying all logic and reason.
In reading Acts 3:1-16 this morning, the story of two disciples set out to be light and salt, having been trained by Jesus, are on their own because He is physically gone. This leads to a whole new paradigm.
Here’s the chaos of this story. First, the religious leaders who killed Jesus, are sewing up the veil, reestablishing the institution, preparing themselves to defeat and destroy this rag tag bunch of men and women ecstatic about this supernatural Good News. Secondly Peter and John are on their way to the temple to promote this Good News. Thirdly, there is a lame man, crippled from birth carried by his friends to the Gate called Beautiful.
The leaders of the Temple are ready to protect and defend a Dead Institutional Machine; Peter and John are coming to prove Jesus is alive and well; while the lame man is there because he possesses the best place in town to get hand outs.
Reality hits the fan in this situation through Peter’s words to the beggar, “I don’t have a nickel to my name!”
Now a fourth party steps into the story. Peter says, “In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, get up and walk!” The man’s body snaps into wholeness, and he begins to dance all the way into the temple in the midst of overwhelming chaos. It’s a set up! These temple leaders have resisted Jesus a long time. This lame man didn’t even ask to be healed. He is accustomed to his situation and found a place to capitalize on his handicap. Peter and John are on their way in faith, without Jesus’ physical presence for the first time wondering if their mantel as Jesus’ representatives really works. It’s a Set Up! God has orchestrated this whole chaotic moment in the midst of insecurity, desperation, manipulation, strong arm politics and loving redemption. That combination spells Chaos!
Do you presently find yourself in a situation that has some form of chaos? Has it forced you to step out in faith only to realize you are being shaped by a loving Father for a new arena of existence to trust the Holy Spirit to empower, provide, guide and turn your chaos into dancing? We all have pain, unmet expectations and disappointments from the chaos that crowds into our lives, but is it possible that you are faced with an opportunity to not only step into the supernatural but be a huge part of change to the world in which you live?
I encourage you today to not only remember that things turn out good in the end, but right now Jesus intends to be glorified in your situation! Take advantage of the present opportunity! Worship through the chaos! Worship connects your heart and mind to be overtaken by His presence, wisdom and the miraculous. In faith, turn on some music! Worship the One you are trusting to cause your chaos to become the place of unleashed supernatural astonishment. It’s a set up for you because you are so deeply loved.
Can’t wait to hear about your dancing within the ultimate story you have been invited into!
Bless you, Paul
