Fishbowl Faith

I recently moved into a new apartment.  I'm super excited about it because it's closer to my job, close to my mom's job, close to the law school, I've got it nice and cozy and although everything isn't exactly unpacked, I know that I already love my new home.  As I was in the process of moving, I knew that I wanted to buy a fish.  I have had a few goldfish in my life, but I wanted something a little different.  Something 'easy' but beautiful.  At the pet store my heart was set on this betta fish.  It is burgundy, blue, and black.  It's very responsive and when his tail spreads, it is a beautiful site.

I spent almost an hour looking at about 25 different betta fish, but this one was the one I wanted.  I had already bought the rocks the day before and I wanted to buy him a new bowl to go in at home. I knew where I would put the bowl and how I wanted it to look. So, last night after I got the bowl all set up and put him on my night table, I just watched him embrace his new environment.  And the Lord spoke to me so clearly...

1) I thought about this fish long before I found it, like God thought about us long before we were created.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5

I know a few people who were born after years and years of their parents trying to conceive.  I also know friends who were a complete surprise to their parents.  I know some people have been referred to as accidents.  But, you were not an accident to God.  He was very intentional when He made you, he knew you before your mother knew your father, he formed you before you mother knew she had conceived.  You were consecrated, separated, set apart, and given an assignment by God.  Time is not a factor to God.  So whether you were early, late, or unexpected to MAN, rest assured that God did everything in His perfect timing.

2) I chose this fish, like God chose us.

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." - John 15:16

Jesus tells the disciples then and us now that we didn't choose Him, but He chose us.  That may seem insignificant to you, but I know what it's like to NOT get chosen.  I've been the last one picked for the team.  I've been the rebound.  I've been the last choice.  I've been the one that nobody really wanted.  I know that feeling of rejection and loneliness.  I also know that what people say is not important because our Father in heaven chose me and appointed me for a specific assignment and purpose.

3)  I purchased this fish, like Jesus purchased us.

"And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." -Revelation 5:9

My fish was not very costly.  But, I was.  Can you believe that Jesus purchased us for God?  He was perfect.  He knew no sin.  He loved us so much that He laid down his life so that we could live in Him and live for Him.  He was the perfect sacrifice.  Only He was able to bridge the gap made by sin between us and God.  Jesus' blood bought men from every tribe and nation.  We take pride in the things that we work hard to obtain just like Jesus takes pride in having us as His own.

4) I prepared a place for this fish, like Jesus has a place prepared for us.

"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." - John 14:3

Jesus came to earth for the sole purpose of dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the dead so that He could return to Heaven.  He said in His word that He was going to prepare a place for us AND He's coming back to get us one day to take us to that place.  If you feel misplaced, that's why.  If you're constantly searching for home, that's why.  Earth is not your home.  This world and the things of this world will temporarily satisfy an eternal longing for heaven.

5) It is my pleasure to watch this fish thrive, like it is God's pleasure to watch us thrive.

Do you have children?  Have you ever sat and watched your child sleep?  or play?  or laugh?  Doesn't it just do something to you to see them happy and healthy and whole?   When you labor over the preparation of a meal, don't you love it when someone compliments it, enjoys it and appreciates it?  If an earthly parent does, how much more do you think our heavenly parent does?

When we find ourselves in God, get joy from His word, find rest in Him, love on Him and embrace His love, God is pleased.  He takes pleasure when His children are successful and joyful.  No, that doesn't mean life will be easy, but its a reminder that God truly does want what is best for us.

This may sound silly, but it's what I'll forever call FISHBOWL FAITH!!!

God, thank you for using a simple fish to blow my mind.  You love me so much that you planned for me, you chose me, you purchased me, you prepared a place for me and you take pleasure in my wellbeing.  Thank you for loving me.  Help me to always thrive in the spaces you have created for me to be a part of: every job, every school, every church.  Let my life be a pleasure to you.  In Jesus' name, Amen.