Astonished & Amazed

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well.” ~ Mark 7:37

And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. ~ Mark 9:15

And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, ~ Mark 6:51

What astonishes you? What arrests your mind with amazement? Are there things in your life that stop you in your tracks with astonishment?

Maybe you’re like me. Perhaps you prefer the predictable patterns of life.  Clear definable boundaries, patterns with edges, effects that result from known causes.

But I’m not sure that’s the way God works.  A dozen times in the Gospel of Mark alone, the reaction of the people to the life of Christ is described in the terminology of awe.  The scriptural equivalent of WOW!

Maybe the problem is that I’m wowed by the wrong things.  Maybe I’m captivated by the gift instead of the giver.  An accomplished musician, a talented athlete, a brilliant invention, an act of love… the gift, without connection to the giver.

Maybe it’s available, but unrequested.  Do I ask for God to astonish, to amaze, to astound?  Am I afraid, too proud, or too weak?

And Jesus said to him, “If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” ~ Mark 9:23,24

That’s it. The admission of an honest man.“I believe; help my unbelief!” Wow me God!  Please!  Show up in unscripted times.  Work in unplanned ways.  Walk on uncharted seas.  Claim undeeded land. Heal. Fix. Send.

Oh Lord, the invitation is out there.  My heart is ready.  My need is great.  My blinders are off. The distractions are gone.

Astound, amaze and astonish. Please.