“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
–Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

I used to like water-skiing when I was a kid, and I still remember the freedom and exhillaration I experienced. While I had never ridden on a jetski before, I was elated when the offer came along.
Once we reached the middle of the lake, the jetski driver let me take over. I figured I couldn’t dammage the ski at this point, so I revved her up all the way. I was having the time of my life!

As I drove, the ride became more and more bumpy. It felt similar to a bucking horse. But like a little child jumping on the bed, I was enjoying it thoroughly. Suddenly, as I hit the wake again, the jetski tipped over, and everyone got drenched! I should have left my hands off the controls and allowed the driver to give us a safe ride.

Unfortunately, that is a picture of what happens in our lives when we don’t let God control them. In other words, we consciously or unconsciously take the wheel of the jetski, asking God to ride in the passenger seat, and everyone is eventually soaked as we stumble along. I have gotten ahead of God more times than I can count, but under His loving hand I finally came to my senses. Therefore, I would like to humbly share some things with you that He has taught me, using the words “Know,” “Go” and “Flow”.

The first word, Know, speaks of how we must continue to cultivate an ongoing relationship with Him. Jesus said that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, but this overflowing power can only increase as we get to know Him in a deeper and deeper way. God intensely longs and desires for you to have fellowship with Him. But as you know, this kind of relationship always takes time.

The Bible says that we have been bought at a great price. It also says that we live in order to bring glory to God instead of seeking attention ourselves.

You may say, “Tim, that sounds too spiritual.” But I don’t mean this in the pharisaical sense. I simply mean what Mother Theresa declared when she told the world that she was merely a pencil in the hand of God. She realized that God’s responsibility was to act, while hers was only to yield. But she also realized that before she could do great works for God, He must do a great work in her. I would challenge us to let God do the same things within us.

The next word is Go, and we need to be going about our Father’s business. Once we have taken in God’s Word by sitting at His feet, we must give that good news to a lost, hurt and dying world.

But in so doing, we must not only go, but flow in the refreshing stream of God’s spirit. If you have ever watched a baby trying to walk, you know exactly what I mean. While he or she may stumble and fall at first, movements begin to flow effortlessly with practice.

This flowing in the Spirit is what God wants from our lives. But while we will all stumble from time to time, God will always be there to pick us up. I can speak from personal experience. In our opening story, I forgot to mention that I can’t see at all. This made driving the jetski a hair-raising adventure, but everything worked out fine, and we all got a nice cool soaking in the process.

“But Tim,” you may say, “I have 20/20 vision.” But the truth is that none of us can see God’s plan or program for our lives, unless He opens our eyes. So each of us must ask Him to do this. If you feel skeptical about making this request, remember that God is the only one who can see within your heart.
As you focus on Him in a new way, let God continue to open your eyes daily. You will become stronger and more effective in His service, and you will find that obstacles become opportunities to share His love.

Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 377 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 260, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, check out our online store at www.amway.com/burdicksbargains. In order to support us, please register for free on our store website before purchasing anything. Thank you!

If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 641-715-3900, ext. 874157.