Nevertheless

It is common knowledge that there are two types of people – negative and positive.  

Possibly moreso viewing themselves as a “realist,” those considered to be negative see every cloud as foreboding, big, and dark.  They can be at a beautiful event, yet immediately recognize all that is imperfect - they weren’t greeted at the door; the service is slow; her dress is ugly; and goodness sake, couldn’t they have cooked this food properly?! Their reality is always a bit of a downer, never able to appreciate the rose for the thorns.

Then there are the positive ones – you either love them or you hate them.  They wake up with a smile on their face and there is always a gorgeous silver lining to any and every beautiful cloud. If they were a guest at the same event, they wouldn’t be able to help themselves from exclaiming the wonder of it all - everyone is so friendly! The service is superb! She is so beautiful!  And isn’t this food is amazing?! Nothing negative comes to mind, as they are eternally focused on the positive.

In my effort to avoid extremes, I like to believe I’m somewhere in the middle – able to assess reality, while remaining capable of identifying the possibility, even likelihood, for positive outcomes – all wrapped in a bit of hope.  My goal is to take an honest inventory of circumstances, then hand it all over to God Almighty, convinced that He will bring order to chaos, health to sickness, joy to grief, and of course, hope to despair.

This profound ability of balancing reality with the possibility of the miraculous is exemplified perfectly through, of all people, Peter, in Luke Chapter 11. In this account, we see that Jesus saw two boats left at the lake by fishermen who had just experienced a very unsuccessful night of fishing.  Jesus climbed into one of the boats to teach those on the shore. He later suggested that Peter “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

Peter’s response? (Cammie paraphrase)  “We’ve fished all night and haven’t caught a thing! I mean, seriously! We know what we’re doing. We’ve tried!” 

Understanding this particular disciple always gets a bit of a bad rap (he did have quite the big, sometimes uncontrollable mouth), I argue that we need to give Peter more credit. In this instance, he was no dummy and actually extremely wise, as he quickly responded with, “NEVERTHELESS, at Your word I will let down my net.”

Peter knew that despite his previously failed fishing excursion, accompanied by certain fatigue, frustration, and evidence that the fish definitely weren’t biting, this man Jesus could change the course of everything. His discernment told him that the impossible would be possible with this Man’s power.

Peter’s assessment of the situation continued to be crystal clear.  Knowing that his next words would either open the door for the miraculous, or shut it down with impossibility, he recognized the opportunity to participate in a miraculous outcome. His heart telling him that Jesus could transform the entire landscape of present reality – he knew that this partnership could be unleashed with one simple word - “Nevertheless.”

Merrium-Webster defines “Nevertheless” as, “In spite of that,” “However,” or “In spite of what has just been said or has transpired.” In other words, regardless of what just occurred, a different outcome is possible.

I now find myself overwhelmed with this word’s powerful potential, realizing Jesus’ power can be either unleashed or shut down, depending upon its use. I also understand that my responsibility to determine its course is greatly related to how much Jesus I possess.  Is He in my thoughts, actions and desires?  Am I perceiving things through a clear filter of the miraculous or a clouded filter of negativity?  Am I partnering with Him, or building a wall to separate myself? Like Peter, do I believe that nothing is impossible with Jesus’ power?

We were lost– NEVERTHELESS Jesus chose us.

We were all once lost and in bondage – NEVERTHELESS Jesus set us free.

In and of ourselves, our capability will never take us to a place of perfection – NEVERTHELESS He has a great and mighty life for us to live.

You may be in a season of hopelessness…NEVERTHELESS God is the God of hope.

You may have received a life-altering diagnosis...NEVERTHELESS God is your Healer.

You may feel unworthy…NEVERTHELESS you are His child.

You may not understand how the bills are going to be paid…NEVERTHELESS He always provides.

You may feel incapable…NEVERTHELESS, His power makes you a conqueror.

Thank you, Peter, for showing us that taking inventory of our surrounding realities isn’t a negative confession. Rather when we see the potential outcome of the miraculous, the power of Jesus can be unleashed in and through us, changing any and all challenges and circumstances...if we realize that NEVERTHLESS, Jesus can change it all, because NEVERTHELESS, nothing is impossible with Him.

He's really that good!

I pray you have a wonderful week as you experience firsthand the NEVERTHELESS that God has for you!

Much love,

Cammie (and Stan)