Looking at Jesus Feeding the 5,000: The Moments Before the Miracle

Our hard and desperate moments are testing our faith and inviting us to trust in Jesus more-and-more. The moments before the miracles—our moments where we haven’t yet seen what Jesus will do—are calling us to greater maturity and completeness. Could it be that your “not yet” is an invitation to “say yes” in whatever small way Jesus is calling you forward today?

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Eyes Fixed on Jesus: Finding Courage and Help in the Person of Christ

…let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

The embodiment of love itself is Jesus.

You know, love: patient, kind, humble, full-of-truth, perseverant, hopeful love. That’s who Jesus is.

Any other direction in which we fix our gaze will leave us unsatisfied, because our souls were made for this love. We were made to bask in the glow of his mercy—and like tropical plants destined for Bahamian sun, allowing our souls to become entrapped by the arctic of this world will leave them withered and sad.

May we fix our eyes on Jesus!

Have you ever noticed how shame keeps people from looking others in the eyes? When people feel bad, condemned, guilty, or unloved, they often have a difficult time looking others in the eyes.

But we can look Jesus in the eyes. He gave everything—his very life—so that we could look him in the eyes. He died for our salvation. He saved us by his grace.

Grace means goodwill, loving-kindness, or favor. This means that he saved us because it pleased him to save us. Let’s take hold of that which he gave everything to give us: let’s lock eyes with him and step into the life he calls us to live.

We see the Lord’s propensity to save, and to call us out in faith as we look to him, illustrated well in the book of Matthew.

Take a moment to peek at Matthew 14:22-33 if you’re able. (It’s the one where Jesus walks on water, and where his disciple, courageous but faltering, does the same.)

This snippet of Scripture begins with the followers of Jesus boating across the lake, and they are (as they so often seem to be) caught up in rough waters.

Here’s how it’s described in the NIV version of the Bible: their boat was “buffeted by waves because the wind was against it”. There was stormy resistance for the disciples as they made their journey.

Do you ever get a sense of stormy resistance in your own journey?

Walking on the water, Jesus passed their boat. The disciples were terrified, thinking he was a ghost!

Without any hint of condemnation for their misunderstanding, Jesus let them know that it was him; he was present. They didn’t need to be afraid. Jesus spoke courage over them:

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 NIV

Receiving these words, Peter appears to have found himself feeling quite courageous, because the next occurrence the Bible reports is Peter wanting to follow Jesus onto the water. After seeking verification that it truly is Jesus speaking to him, Peter follows Christ’s beckoning and takes his first few steps into the miraculous.

He walks onto the water directly towards Jesus. What a moment that must have been for Peter—feeling the cold, wet water beneath his feet, probably filled with feelings of “Is this actually happening right now?!”

It was his audacity and reckless faith that caused Peter to step out of the boat, and here he was, experiencing a miracle because of it.

In this surreal moment, I imagine Peter’s gaze fixed firmly on Jesus with bold faith was ruling at the the forefront of his life.

Suddenly, as if Peter looks around and remembers where exactly he is, he begins sinking. The Bible describes it this way:

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:30 NIV

And do you know how quickly Jesus helped Peter? He immediately reached out his hand and pulled Peter up. This doesn’t need to surprise us: saving the one who cries out is core to the person of Jesus.

We see this attribute lavishly poured out across the Old Testament, as God (who is one with Christ) offers saving help again-and-again to his people. I love Psalm 107 for it’s ability to capture this attribute of God quite well, as we observe God continually save:

“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. Psalm 107:6 NLT

Crying out and receiving God’s salvation is repeatedly occurs in the Old Testament, it’s what we see happen here with Peter in the New Testament, and it’s what we have the opportunity to experience each and every day.

May we choose to cry, “Lord, help!” in the variety of our life’s storms and experience the rescuing hand of Jesus. To his good and well-fitting praise!

Offering saving help is who Jesus is. Of course, Jesus didn’t want Peter to doubt; Jesus desires each of us to walk in bold courage. That’s the invitation to us as children of God.

But when we falter, inevitably, may we know that we are met with his saving help.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Matthew 14:31-32

Did you catch that last part? Peter and Jesus got back into the boat, and the wind died down. After this tumultuous adventure with Jesus, peace.

Jesus both has the ability to save us in our own rocky waters, building our faith, and to calm the storms in our lives completely.

I can imagine that Peter walked away from these moments with a strengthened ability to keep his eyes faithfully fixed on Jesus, to move forward in courage, and to trust Christ’s saving hand.

Peter witnessed the miraculous being accomplished in his very own body and circumstances. How amazing that must have been!

He also experienced a blessed calm after getting back into the boat.

The goodness of Jesus towards us is varied and beautiful in its many forms.

So much good came from this experience which some could have just written off as a failed attempt to walk on water. (But oh no! This was a faith-growing, salvation-accomplishing, Jesus-glorifying, miracle-of-an-event!)

The faltering of Peter only proved to magnify the mercy of Jesus as he took bold and courageous steps according to Christ’s beckoning call.

He stepped out of the boat towards Jesus.

May we all receive the invitation of Christ to do just the same.

I don’t know what walking on water looks like for you in this season, but if you are blessed with the insight to sense a call from the Lord, may you take courage. May you put your blinders on to the world and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is good and faithful. And in moments of faltering, may you be quick to cry out and receive the generous, saving help of our sweet Lord.

Love and courage in Christ!

Annalisa

PS: I’d love to hear from you! Is there an area you’re being called to step out of the boat? Is there a way I can pray for you? If so, just hit “reply” to this email, and it would be my joy.

Botanical Promises: Learn More About this Illustrated Series

This collection of botanical illustrations was originally drawn as part of a collaboration with Claire Mariah in her series, 10 Bible Promises for Mamas. In this series, Christian writer and lifestyle blogger, Claire Mariah, highlighted ten biblical promises for women to hold onto as they journey through motherhood.

In their infancy, each illustration you see above was hand-drawn in ink. After being digitized, vectorized, colorized, and a whole bunch of other fun words that end with “-ize”, my desire was to bring these illustrations and the promises they represent to life in a giftable way. And so, the Botanical Promises card series came to be. I hope you’ll find that the artwork and writing bless your loved ones as they are drawn in to reflect on the goodness of God.

Let’s take a closer look at each floral featured in the set. I will include the key scripture Claire Mariah included in her writing, along with a word about the illustration, and a link to it’s original corresponding writing.

Sunflower | Guidance

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;

though he may fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Artwork Commentary:

Just as the sunflower turns its gaze always towards the sun, may we turn our gaze upon our source of love and light: Christ himself. As this flower's sunburst center reflects its lifesource, may we reflect God's lovingkindness in all we do and are, seeking His guidance each step of the way.

For more on the biblical promise of guidance, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Wildflowers | Presence

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Artwork Commentary: Wildflowers are generously available, ready to bless and refresh us (if only we might take the time to notice them). In a similar way, God displays his glory for a beauty-starved world--surrounding us with his presence--beckoning all to soak in who he is and truly live. May the abundant nature of these flowers remind you of God's lavish grace.

For more on the biblical promise of presence, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Daisy | Joy

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more. Psalm 16:11

Artwork Commentary: Adorned with sunny centers, the joyful ambience of the daisy is virtually unmatched. As children of God, our joy also bursts forth from our center. As the Spirit fills our inner being, by faith, the produced fruit is joy. May this daisy print, in its asymmetry, remind your heart that perfection isn't a prerequisite to joy. Our joy comes from faith in the only perfect in one: Jesus.

For more on the biblical promise of joy, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Lavender | Rest

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Artwork Commentary: Lavender, known for its soothing scent and calming appearance, is a first thought for anyone seeking herbal remedies for restlessness. A reflection of Christ in creation, may it remind us of the refreshment and rest offered to us in the heart of Christ.

For more on the biblical promise of rest, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Tulip | Purpose

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. Psalm 86:12-13

Artwork Commentary: Long after its purposes are set into place, the tulip offers its beauty to the world. These bulbous booms are planted far in advance, with intent. The gardener awaits the time they finally emerge to shine. May this bursting tulip remind us of the ways God has purposed us to shine--all the ways we know of and so many of the ways we have yet to discover.

For more on the biblical promise of purpose, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Rose | Strength

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Artwork Commentary: As Christians, we know that our strength comes from our weakness. Admitting our failings and turning to the Almighty, we find greater power than we could ever muster ourselves. So, there is no better flower to represent strength than the rose: the neediest of the entire garden bunch. This blooming beauty lives in total reliance of its caretaker, and the gardener's glory is on full display as the delicate rose flourishes.

For more on the biblical promise of strength, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Daffodil | Hope

Our soul waits for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

Artwork Commentary: A heart open to the Lord's goodness results in hope-filed gladness. Just as the wide-open center of the daffodil dances with exultation, may our hearts be receptive to the goodness of God in all seasons, bounding with expectation.

For more on the biblical promise of hope, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

Peony | Deliverance

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Artwork Commentary: The peony: intricately beautiful, simply graceful. At first glance, a rounded bloom--basic in structure and appealing to the eye. A closer investigation reveals layers upon layers of stunningly delicate beauty. Such is the nature of the gospel. Our deliverance from sin by the death of Christ is a winsome truth simple enough to win the heart of a child, yet complex enough to sustain a man's pondering for a lifetime. The layers of beauty run deep.

For more on the biblical promise of deliverance, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.

I hope you enjoyed these beautiful truths. To shop the series, click here.

Love to you!

The Warmth of God's Comfort: Finding Grace In Life's Frigid Moments

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

—2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

I was recently walking with my two sons on a chilly Fall day. We had just gotten back from a trip to southern Florida, where the weather was what most would consider perfect: eighty degrees and sunny.

And yet, as we began our first walk back in chilly Minnesota, we couldn’t help but revel in the crisp Autumn air. We had to stop back home a few times to add layers, but once we were appropriately dressed in long sleeves, hoodies, and jackets, our walk became a time of grand enjoyment.

What is it about Fall that causes us to be so very smitten? That’s what I was wondering about as I walked along the crunchy path with my children. And then it hit me: I think what people love about Fall is the comfort.

When you hear people talk about cooler weather, they inevitably bring up sweatshirts and sweatpants (and how just they can’t wait to wear them). They bring up favorite soup recipes and begin to use phrases like “snuggling up” and “getting cozy” to describe what they’re most excited about.

Warm comfort on a chilly day feels glorious.

There is simply something about having on just the right amount of soft, cozy layers in contrast with the brisk air on your face. Or getting back from the frigid outdoors and transitioning to a warm mug of tea or hot cocoa.

It’s images like this that make our introductory verse so very beautiful. Here it is again:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Considering just how good comfort feels makes a truth like the one found above all the sweeter: what God provides to us is like that warm cup of cocoa. His embrace is like our favorite old sweatshirt. His love is like that bath full of epson salts that warms us to our bones.

He sees our frigid circumstances with compassion; he gives us comfort.

He did this in the ultimate way—when sin had us frozen to the core. He sent the light of his son, Jesus, into the world to provide what we needed most in our sin condition: life, salvation, restoration. Like a rescue boat pulling someone from the icy Atlantic, Jesus saved us when we were in absolute despair.

And yet, in his goodness, it’s not only the dire circumstances he meets us in; he comforts us in a million little ways. In the frigid moments of life—job losses, broken relationships, mental strain, depression, times of confusion and fear—God never fails to meet his people with comfort.

It might not be in the form we expect, but as we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 1:3, he is the God of all comfort. He is the one who comforts us in all of our troubles.

For me, this has occasionally meant a tangible answer to prayer or situational change. But more often, comfort comes as a result of The Holy Spirit shifting my perspective and calming my anxious heart through the reminder of who God is. (This song is so good for that.)

If you find yourself feeling unsure about how to go to God for comfort, may you be encouraged to remember that this comfort isn’t something we need to manipulate or beg for; it’s in his nature to give it. We can simply go to him. Enjoy this precious reminder from John 6:37:

“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” -Jesus, John 6:37 NIV

Further study of this verse would tell someone that when Christ says he will “never” drive away the one who comes to him, he really means it. It’s an emphatic never. Like, no, not ever. You can count on Jesus to be there when you search for him.

In fact, the truth is even better than him simply being there—it’s more like Jesus is searching for us and we get to make the decision to turn towards him, accepting his invitation to join us in our tiring circumstances.

In Revelation, there’s a wonderful verse displaying this—following an invitation to repent (or turn away from our sin and to the person of Jesus)—that describes Jesus knocking on the door, waiting for us to answer.

Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:19-20 NIV

Jesus isn’t playing a game of keep-away with us, taunting us to find him. He is standing there, offering grace, comfort, and life. All the more, he offers us his very self.

May our chilling circumstances drive us to the warmth of Christ—in repentance and adoration—as we clothe ourselves in his garments of salvation and comfort.

And on this topic, one more beautiful truth to soak in when it comes to seeking the God of comfort is this: the Holy Spirit is here to help you. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what to say or what to pray for.

Maybe you’ve heard this upcoming tidbit from the book of Romans. (It falls at a point in the text where the author is describing what it’s like to suffer on this earth as we await redemption and our heavenly home.) He describes the Spirit lifting our requests to God:

“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 NIV

What an encouragement to remember that the Spirit prays for us when we don’t know what to pray for. May we bring our hearts to God, trusting the Spirit to intercede on our behalf.

So to you, as the cold months loom ahead, I pray that each and every ounce of physical comfort you experience stirs your heart to remember the God of all comfort.

Each scarf you tie on, each coffee you sip, each fire you stoke—may it all remind you of the solace God offers your soul in cold times. And may that warm your heart. :)

—

For more encouragement:

I have a friend who has been experiencing the kinds of cold circumstances we’ve discussed here—experiencing heartbreak upon heartbreak. It’s as if she’s living Psalm 42:7 which describes one who is enduring hit after hit, as if they were standing beneath a waterfall. And yet, in the midst of this continuing trial, she describes how the Lord has met her with comfort in each step of the journey.

This doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been painful—or frigid—but the Lord has wrapped her up in the warm sweater of His embrace as she continually seeks him in her pain.

If you’d like to read her story about finding hope and comfort in her journey of infertility, you can find it here.

Through the Fog: Trusting the Heart of Jesus in Times of Uncertainty

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

—1 Corinthians 13:12, The Message Version

For starters, I want you to envision something.

Imagine yourself on a long journey, leading you to a destination you deeply desire. You’ve seen highs and lows along the way: you’ve encountered peaks with breathtaking views and enjoyed them, while knowing the ultimate mountaintop is still a ways off. You’ve trudged through valleys you’re glad to be on the other side of… you have been through a lot.

And here you are, yet again: you’re in a valley… but this one isn’t like the others you’ve been to. This particular valley is drenched in the thickest fog you’ve ever seen. All you’re able to make out is the hand of your guide, holding fast to yours, leading you along. You’re immersed in fog so thick you can barely make out their face, but you’ve come to accept the fact that they’re your only hope of arriving safely to the next leg of your journey.

Some of you may already have an idea of where I’m heading with this little morning metaphor: Jesus is your guide. Eternal life with God (in all its beauty and perfection) is the destination. Peaks, of course, are the moments we are able to see with clarity where God has led us and the beauty he had in store for us all along the way. And the valleys? they represent the most trying moments of life. Valleys are often unpleasant, and are times in which we could easily lose perspective on where we’re headed. Fog adds to that confusion, clouding us from understanding exactly what God is doing.

Because we love bright and sunny clarity, don’t we? We feel safe when we can see clearly. And I hope you catch this: desiring clarity isn’t a bad thing.

I think it’s safe to say that God loves clarity too—there is a beautiful verse in Revelation that describes the eternal kingdom of God. This scripture tells us that there is never-ending light, produced by God himself:

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23 NIV

What a thought to consider. No more darkness. No more fog. Only eternal, breathtaking, golden light. So often, my heart longs for this place. I truly believe that we reflect the image of God as his children when we long for this heavenly light. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)

But on this side of eternity, while we are still subject to the day-and-night cycle, there can be a different kind of beauty seen as we trust Jesus to guide our steps through the dark gray valleys of life. In all the moments that clarity is lacking, faith has the opportunity to grow.

May we take heart in remembering this: faith grows in the gray.

It is by his extravagant love that God saw our sin, and the separation it caused from himself—the Light— and sent Jesus to atone for our every failure, producing in us the ability to gain access into this eternal kingdom. He wants light for us! And it is by faith that we attain that light eternally.

It’s by our faith in Jesus that we are saved forever. And as we trudge through the world, and all the darkness we wish we didn’t need to endure, we have the opportunity to remember with gladness that Jesus won’t stop being the way for us. (John 14:6)

He leads us through the gray. He leads us through the fog. He will take us into everlasting light. Read this stunning scripture below (beautiful in many versions, but I love how it’s paraphrased in The Message):

Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. John 6:37 MSG

He doesn’t let go. (Cue the crying face emoji!)

It’s by his heart that we can trust his hand. He holds us. And while we get to enjoy moments of sunny clarity along the way, we also get to trust in his grace to get us through the moments where we can’t see where we are going.

It is in these moments that we get to proclaim what we know to be true about Jesus—his love, his compassion, his gentleness—and cling to it with all our might.

In the times where your next steps feel unclear, may these truths about the heart of God sustain you, as you trustingly cling just a bit tighter to the hand of Jesus, the savior that has been so lovingly provided to us:

Five Truths for the One in the Valley:

  1. He loves us, not just with an ordinary love, but with an extravagant love. Consider his heart towards you and allow it to produce in you a deeper trust in his faithful care. (1 John 3:1)

  2. God is full of mercy. Mercy: the tendency to show compassion and forgiveness in circumstances where one has the power to harm or punish. He is merciful in his leading and instructing of you… he’s a gentle guide. (James 5:11)

  3. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. When we don’t understand what’s going on around us, we can humbly rest in knowing that God thinks through things in a way much greater than we ever could. Consider it this way: the leader we’ve been given is quite smart! And skillful. He knows the course (and knows us) better than we ever could. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

  4. This will end well. In high times and low, we know God is working for our good and his glory. This story ends with Jesus coming back; the final chapter for all believers will be a beautiful one. (Romans 8:28)

  5. Your trials are not without purpose. He is producing goodness in you, as well as shining through you for the glory of his name. Nothing is wasted. Again, he is kind in his dealings with you—merciful, compassionate, purposeful. And only he fully knows the greater heights waiting on the other side of the valley. (James 1:2-4)

He wants to hold your hand, and walk with you as you trust him. Peace in the valley comes from embracing our most reliable guide, Jesus.

My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8 NKJV

May our souls follow him closely, finding rest in his faithfulness. Grace and peace to you, wherever your journey has you.

Behind the Scenes: How the Patterns for Cloth & Kin Were Born

Jessica Brown of Cloth & Kin asked me to share a bit of the inspiration and background for the patterns I contributed to her Fall 2022 line of handmade clothing for littles. It was fun to trace back how I landed on the specific patterns, and I wanted to share the adventure here with you, too!

The fun began with Jessica sending her solid color scheme for the upcoming line. I was immediately enamored with the muted hues she chose and couldn’t wait to get to work.

Cloth & Kin Fall 2022 Color Pallette

Beginning the Creative Process:

What I love about collaborations like this, is that they truly capture an artist at a particular moment in their creative journey. For me, currently, I can’t get enough block carving/block art. The process of carving the rubber by hand and then choosing the perfect color of print to highlight every etch and curve is incredibly satisfying. I enjoy the organic nature of the finished product.

Between my recent exploration of the process, and the fun, boho aesthetic of Cloth and Kin, this seemed like the perfect place to start for a fall pattern.

I wrote an article about the process of block printing here.

Now onto the specific patterns…

Pattern 1: Helenium Block in Terrecotta

When doing research for which flowers cover our world in the season of Fall, Helenium Autumnale caught my eye. I love its simple, yet delicate, nature, and I thought the downward curve of the flower would take nicely to a pattern formation. The color options were numerous, but I ended up settling on a classic cream with a pale yellowish center, sitting atop a gorgeous Terrecotta brown—all in coordination with the rest of Cloth and Kin’s fall collection.

Helenium Block Print in Terrecotta | Cloth & Kin Fall 2022

Pattern 2: Confetti Carvings in Olive

After completing the first pattern, I wanted additional patterns to look like they belonged amid the organic nature of the first pattern. I used the carvings found at the center of the Helenium prints to create this gender neutral style. Taking those small markings and spacing them out, brought me to this next pattern titled “Confetti Carvings”. I hope it combines a calming natural aesthetic (that appeals to adults) with the lighthearted joy of small children. A bonus: this confetti is hiding the word F-U-N somewhere inside… see if you can find it!

Confetti Carvings in Olive | Cloth & Kin Fall 2022

Follow along on social media, or check back to her website, clothandkin.com, on September 16th to see these patterns launched on some soft, high-quality, sustainable handmade clothing. Thanks for reading!