Warriors Arise: September 1, 2020
John 21:4-5 (NKJV) But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
The disciples in the boat were grown men. Some of them might have been teenagers which would have made what they heard even worse. Jesus called out, "Children...". How many grown people want to be called children? Most would scoff at this or at the very least laugh uncomfortably.
I know my teenagers do not like to be called children, unless I am being lighthearted and playful about something. However, there is another time they will accept it and even embrace it. If they are struggling in an adult situation, they need me to be the parent so they can be the child. Not that I take care of the problem for them, but for a moment they let me give them a hug or hold them, provide listening ears and no words. Silently, I pray as the stress, pain, or frustration melt away. Many times that is all they need and then they have the courage to make the adult decision and fulfill their obligation. I've always told them maturity isn't an age, it is ones character: being a responsible, interdependent, a contributor to God, our family, our church, and our community.
John 21:5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children...
The disciples had heard Jesus call them children before. This was not the first time. It is also why I would have thought they would have recognized Jesus. They did't recognize His walk or posture. They didn't recognize His call even though they had heard Him speak loudly many times. Who else would call a group of grown men, "Children?" Only someone trying to give an insult or someone who knew them in this fashion.
God offers us six different types of relationships. One of them happens to be Father to child. A child who knows they are loved and believes their father will stop at nothing to protect and provide for them, think their father hung the moon. And in reality our Father did hang the moon, the starts, every galaxy, and all living things. God wants us to embrace Him with faith as a child. From that position, we stand with His authority, confidence, and courage to overcome any obstacle. From that relationship we willingly submit to the Father because we know we can trust Him. We know He has the very best for us. It may not be what we want but it is what is best.
When we have developed our relationship with God as our Father and come under Him as His child there is something unbreakable built inside of us. We know no matter how difficult a situation may get, we won't brake. God will be our shield of strength and power to resist whatever is coming against us. A child will remain tucked away in His Father's protection; because He knows God is with Him and will never leave Him in despair.
When Jesus calls out to them, "Children..." It is a term of endearment. All the attributes of the Father are displayed as He calls to each one of us. As an adult, we can embrace this beautifully, powerful relationship God offers each one who has professed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
There are times when Josiah will share with me something he has accomplished and I will respond, "I am so proud of you son!" Why did I use son instead of his name? In those moments, I want him to know I am proud not only of what he accomplished, but that he is mine. In the moments, he has demonstrated a character trait of something Scott and I have taught Him, a quality of godliness; he is my son and I am proud of what he has accomplished, therefore. I recognize what he has done to excel and achieve.
Do you have a Father/child relationship with God? Do you believe He will protect and provide for you? Do you trust Him to guide you in wisdom and give you knowledge? Do you believe He is working all things out for your good? Would people say you have a blind faith? Because that is what faith is, evidence of what we do not seen. Faith believes, because He is God not because of evidence. Can you all Him, Daddy? Or does that seem a little too intimate?
The disciples had been told what to do but they didn't need God to tell them what to do, they needed their Father to speak to them. God fulfills both positions; because they are different facets of the relationship He offers us.
Father, I submit myself to You. Daddy, there are so many things going on in the world today. They hound me to be overcome with fear. They bring confusion with all the lies. They demand what is not theirs to have. Daddy, I need You to come and minister to me. I desire to position myself as Your child. Your love will remove the fear in my heart. Your wisdom will cancel the confusion in my mind. Your protection will make sure no one takes what You have given me. Your provision gives me security. As Your child, I know there is no one who loves me more than You do. I know there is no one who can defeat You. I know there is no situation or virus that you can't protect me from. As Your child, I know You provided everything I need and many of my heart's desires. You pour Your blessings upon my life. You are second to none. I stand in awe of You. Your creativity causes me to catch my breath. Your strength assures me I have nothing to worry about. You are not only my God, my Lord, my Father but You are my Daddy in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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