8th December Advent Devotion – In over my head.

Hello,

Hebrews 11v1 says “Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. ”  In the reading today, Isaiah’s faith caused him to rejoice and celebrate with his people.  That is absolute conviction!  Its also the currency of our relationship with God.  In our previous home the kitchen was very old and needed completely renewing including plumbing and electrics. We had lived there 16 years and prayed about a new kitchen for many of them but not had the financial provision to do the work.  It was a dark November night and I was driving home from a visit to a friend.  Suddenly into my vision I saw an image of an ultrasound scan just like a 12 week baby. Within the womb I saw two things, myself in a certain place in India surrounded by children and my kitchen made totally new its colour and design.  Our circumstances had not changed, we still didn’t have the finances, however what I saw released faith with absolute conviction.  We bought a red wall clock in the Ikea sale for £5 and put it on the wall our first step.  That vision fuelled my conversations with Father God!  The following January and February numerous miraculous provision came and my conviction became a reality in May of that year.  I also went to Calcutta India in March and met the children I saw in my vision.  Its a long story, yet two testimonies of God’s faithfulness to provide as we take the risk to pray, listen and walk with him by faith.

This Advent reading is full of joyous anticipation for the coming of the Lord.  To symbolise the great times to come, we are led to imagine that joyful people of all nations will enjoy a feast of rich food and fine wine.

Their joy flows from certainty that God will lift the veil that veils all people and destroy death forever.

Psalm 23, also brings the image of restful and joyful times to come. We give ourselves like sheep to the shepherd,  a watchful and loving God who protects us, feeds us, and shelters us, all the days of our lives.

Jesus: said  “Anyone who loves Me will listen to My voice and obey. The Father will love him, and We will draw close to him and make a dwelling place within him.”

Jenn Johnson of Bethel sings ‘in over my head’ on the album ‘We will not be shaken’. She describes a journey of faith;  of God breaking out of the boxes we put him in and going deeper and deeper in the river with him. Let God literally fill you with courage as you worship Him.