"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (Jn 3:8 NIV)

A sailorman sets his sails according to the direction of the wind and the course he hopes to travel. When the wind changes, adjustments must then be made accordingly. Light air requires a lot of attention to details which can make the difference between moving along, and being stuck in the doldrums forever. In contrast, heavy winds are high adventure, and can give you the ride of your life. 

I was facing one of the biggest decisions of my life. Going to Mexico as a missionary would mean giving up the security of my home and business. I was willing, but really needed to know if it was God's will for my life. I was pondering this question one afternoon as I lay on my bed in a semi-daydreaming state when found myself in what seemed like a scene from a movie. 

I was seated in a small sloop coasting along near the shore of the Sea of Galilee; a gentle breeze was quietly pushing the boat when I noticed him standing at the waters edge. Do you want to cross? I asked.

I recognized him right off. It wasn't so much by his physical appearance, but his distinct un-worldly presence that tipped me off, it was Jesus all right. 

He gathered up his robe and waded out into knee-deep water, then heaved himself over the gunnels into the boat. Without a word we set off for the opposite shore, but I couldn't help but notice that he was watching me intently. Then he spoke, "Cody, I can see that you are a very skilled sailor. The wind is barely blowing, yet you sense its direction by turning your face skyward and feeling the way it moves over the down-like hairs on your ears. Walking in the spirit is often like that. It's a still small voice that you will miss completely if you're not paying close attention." (1Ki 19:12) 

It was Mark Virkler's book, Dialogue With God, that had encouraged me to quiet my mind and to imagine myself in this Biblical scene with Jesus. While I began this experiment with great hopes, I really couldn't believe how vividly things were unfolding before me in my minds eye. 

Jesus spoke again, "Cody, there is another thing that you already know, the rudder which steers the boat, only works when the boat is moving." I took this to mean that further guidance would come, but only after obeying what I had already been given. I decided to get my boat moving and set sail for Mexico, actually I flew and got the additional assurances I needed along the way. 

Jesus often taught through parables and will still reveal things to us in that way if we are alert to the possibility. He may, or may not do something similar for you; apparently he enjoys being creative in dealing with each of us uniquely as individuals. The good news is that he continues to deal with us. 

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