“He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”  Colossians 1:15-17

It was November. After weeks of constant pain due to a crumbling spine, I finally had an appointment with the surgeon.  I’d been sleepless ~ unable to live a normal life ~ for months.  As I waited, I prayed that God would finally provide answers; maybe surgery would offer relief from this constant misery. I was ready to see that light at the end of the tunnel! I had prayed both night and day for relief, and so far there was little!

There were times when I couldn’t even function because of the pain. It was hard to think~to concentrate: to read, to focus my mind on anything. It was so hard….

While I sat in the waiting room, I closed my eyes for a moment. Suddenly I saw the Lord Jesus Christ walking on the water ~ just as described in Matthew 14!  In my mind’s eye He walked toward me, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Oh, blessed comfort! Oh, blessed surprise! What an honor that He would come to me in this way!

What a sacred moment! I closed my eyes there in that waiting room and simply basked in the vision of my Lord, walking on the water. He was majestic and powerful, yet kind and gentle. He was full of grace and comfort. His beauty was such that I could hardly take Him in. The image of the invisible God ~ Creator of the universe, right there for me! Coming toward me, filled with compassion and love.

His presence was a balm for my soul, and there were tears in my eyes as I sat very still in my chair. Everything else in that waiting room melted away and I was alone with Him!

He filled my soul with indescribable joy, and I felt strong and empowered. I wanted to jump up out of my chair and declare, ” I see Jesus!” I felt buoyant and uplifted, as though I, too, were somehow walking on that water. My entire being ~ body, soul, spirit ~ was changed. The visit with the surgeon was no longer a concern. Everything was changed, and my pain and fear no longer troubled me. I praised and worshiped Him. His power filled the room. I simply sat there, adoring Him and basking in His all-encompassing love.

I soon looked up this familiar passage in the Word of God and read the account of His coming to the disciples out in the stormy Sea of Galilee. You know this story! It was during the early hours of the morning, and they were in a frightening situation. In fact, at first they thought he was a ghost!  There’s much more to the story, as you know! Finally, Jesus stepped into the boat and the wind died down. Everyone acknowledged then that He was the Son of God. This miracle ~ one of many during His time on earth ~ demonstrated just who Jesus Christ was ~ and is! And at that moment I knew He’d come to me again to remind me of  just who HE is! Now and forevermore.

Jesus Christ is always ready to show us just who He is! So why would we seek any other consolation, any other answer to our problems? He is all we need.

Jesus is all-powerful, now and for eternity. As the image of the invisible God, Jesus is ever present in the fulness of His majesty! Jesus wants to be proactive in your life! But only by accepting Him as Savior, following Him in believers’ baptism, prayer, confession of sin, and service, can you know His presence.

I was once again reminded that NOTHING on earth should be important enough to draw my eyes away from my Jesus. Not even a serious back problem. Not even chronic pain. And I thought of the many blessed nights when I had been alone with Him, awake with my pain ~ yet praising and worshipping Him, finding my peace and solace in His presence alone.

He is our Light, our Guide, our best thought ~ because we’ve been purchased with His blood and sealed with His Holy Spirit.

“Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart.
Naught be all else to me,
Save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.”

Make Him your one and only vision, your one and only consolation. Whatever YOUR need may be, He wants to be your source of strength. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” Psalm 28:7

Seek Him when you are in need. “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

Seek Him when you are alone and afraid. “I am leaving you with a gift ~ peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

Cling to Him when nights are endless. “I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Cling to Him when life is impossible. “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Cling only to Him, and let Him show you the extent of His power in your life!“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Dear Jesus, Thank you for reminding us that we are Your children and that You love us! All the power of God is available to us if we will only call on You. You want to show us that You can deliver us from our pain, our fear, our suffering. You are the GREAT PHYSICIAN, and we can always depend on You! Thank you for always coming to us when we need you the most! We praise you and love you for your miraculous watch care over us!