Blessings,
How are you? Back in the day when I was clueless about God’s call on my life, I convinced myself that I was inclined to the sciences. Failure quickly beckoned, however I recall time in the lab, performing various tests on different substances. Naturally, the Litmus test was one such test.
In life, we also conduct Litmus tests to determine the veracity (i.e. truth and factual nature) of that which we encounter. In spiritual circles, we sometimes refer to it as putting out a fleece.
Consider your own life and whether you have put a fleece out as you slowly imbibe on today’s Holy Nougat™
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”. Matthew 14:28 NLT
Despite the fact that there are multiple examples to the contrary in the Word, as Believers some of us have been misled. We have been indoctrinated to believe that God is not to be questioned.
Yet here it is – Peter, one of “The Three” not only questions Jesus, Litmus test style, but also insists that Jesus prove his identity.
The temptation to miss the significance of this point is easy. One could easily get lost in the why’s and wherefores of Peter’s question, such as: “What would he have done if he discovered it wasn’t Jesus who spoke?”; and/or “Having known Jesus for so long, could Peter not have recognised Jesus’s act as proof that it was Jesus he saw?”
But Peter’s question legitimises our own need to validate God’s call upon our lives. “Lord, is this you? This looks like a wonderful door, but is it a painting, a mirage or a window?” or “Lord, of this is you, send confirmation in a way that could only be you!” Usually, God’s response is immediate.
Sometimes, we opt to press forward in silence, hoping against hope that if it isn’t (of) God, that the Lord would intervene; although we fail to actually communicate with God. Ironically, it is then that we experience intense disappointment when our plans fail and God did not intervene!!
Could it be that God actually delights in our Litmus tests/putting out a fleece? What do you think?
Thanks for joining us in this delightfully divine feast.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
