“The Drowning Man”
A fellow was stuck on his rooftop in a flood. He was praying to God for help.

Soon a man in a rowboat came by and the fellow shouted to the man on the roof, “Jump in, I can save you.”

The stranded fellow shouted back, “No, it’s OK, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me.”

So the rowboat went on.

Then a motorboat came by. “The fellow in the motorboat shouted, “Jump in, I can save you.”

To this the stranded man said, “No thanks, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith.”

So the motorboat went on.

Then a helicopter came by and the pilot shouted down, “Grab this rope and I will lift you to safety.”

To this the stranded man again replied, “No thanks, I’m praying to God and he is going to save me. I have faith.”

So the helicopter reluctantly flew away.

Soon the water rose above the rooftop and the man drowned. He went to Heaven. He finally got his chance to discuss this whole situation with God, at which point he exclaimed, “I had faith in you but you didn’t save me, you let me drown. I don’t understand why!”

This “Christian” joke is actually more profound than some may realize. Sometimes what we may be asking for, or have been praying for might just be right in front of us. We may just not be looking through the right “glasses” We may not be being still enough and listening well enough.

We as believers pray for many things, however are we looking through the eyes of Jesus for what we may already have, or that He is seeking to give to us, but we are looking through too darkened of a glass. Are we judging or vetting situations, circumstances or people through our past?

Are we first realizing how blessed we are today or at the moment?

Did God send that special someone into our lives and may it be possible that we have been so hurt from our past, that we were not open enough to see it and experience it. To use our Spiritual Gifts to discern enough to invest our whole hearts into the possibilities, or did we vet this person through the pains and heartaches of our past?

Were we filled with fear and doubt as not to take that new job, go on that missions trip, take that exciting risk for the potential of a substantial gain, or support that ministry because we did not believe we had the time, talents or treasure to do so.

Jesus may be answering our prayers, but we may not be still enough, open enough, prayed up enough, or brave enough to see or realize it. He may have already blessed us with what we are asking for, but we may have been too busy, or closed up to realize it.

Just a thought and perspective to consider on this SONday.

So what now? What do we do?
The bible speaks about us looking through a clouded glass. That God’s ways are not are ways. That God works in mysterious ways. He also asks us to be still, and listen and to know He is God. That he does not have plans to harm you, but to give you hope and a future. He also says to be grateful and be in prayer in thanksgiving on a regular basis. In addition to fear not, which is mentioned in the bible 365 times in which I believe it is for each day of our lives in a given year. I encourage us as believers to listen for the Holy Spirit, and be open to the possibilities of what God has in store for us. To not hold onto bitterness of our past, and certainly not vet everyone through failed relationships of the past to where we do not see all the good in the person of today, or the future. To not let failures of the past, whether in business, relationships of finances cast a dark shadow on the possibilities of today and the future. What you may be looking for, seeking, and desire for the good, may very well be right in front of you or just around the corner.

Remember these verses:
“Seek ye the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 KJV

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jer. 29:11 NIV

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 — NLT

“Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” Psalm 46:10 Gods Word Translation

“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?” Matt. 7:7–11 MSG

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6–7 NIV

Have a blessed day.