REGAINING THE PILOT

Ever feel like you’ve “lost the plot”? You're reading a novel and can't quite figure out who is who, or you tuned out during a film and now it doesn't seem to make sense anymore. Your life is busy, busy, yet sometimes you're no longer sure who you are or where you're headed.

Jonah lost the plot when he ran away from God. God had told him to go to Nineveh and deliver a warning; but Jonah didn't fancy that, and instead he caught a boat headed in the opposite direction. It could have been a voyage into oblivion, as he ended up in the belly of a large fish, but when he turned back to God, God mercifully delivered him. Back on dry 1. See Jonah 1–2. 2. Psalm 119:1 MSG 3. See Genesis 18:1–15. 4. See Hebrews 11:11, Genesis 21:1–2. 5. Psalm 17:5 6. See Luke 22:54–62. 7. See John 21. 8. Psalm 143:8 land, he regained the plot and went on to do what God had asked. 1 Lord, help me stay on track no matter how difficult. You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. 2

Sarah lost the plot when the angelic visitors to her husband Abraham predicted that she would have a child. She laughed about it, thinking that her advanced age was an impossible barrier. 3 Still, she rose up to this challenge to her faith, and “she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” 4 She regained the plot through faith. Lord, help me to follow You by faith, even when I don’t understand exactly where You’re leading. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip. 5

Peter lost the plot when he denied Jesus and was confused and afraid for his own life. 6 But all was not lost. A conversation over a breakfast meal prepared by the risen Savior changed Peter's outlook on himself and his life. 7 “Take care of My followers,” Jesus told him.—And that's exactly what Peter did. He regained the plot, and the remainder of his life was meaningful and purposeful. Lord, help me to sit quietly and listen to Your voice, so that I can find and follow the path You have for me. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. 8

Quiet Moments