By Maxie Heppell<\/p>\n\n\n\n
D\u00e9j\u00e0 vu (\/\u02ccde\u026a\u0292\u0251\u02d0 \u02c8v(j)u\u02d0\/ ( listen) DAY-zhah-VOO, –<\/em>\u2060<\/em>VEW, French: [de\u0292a vy] ( listen); “already seen”) is a French loanword expressing the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For children of the Lord, it is not just a feeling, but a certainty. The same situations have a way of repeating themselves, often years apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For children of the Lord, there is comfort knowing that every bit of pruning and the growth that follows, is generating a new being. Even if the problem\/the challenge\/the thorn in the flesh stayed the same, the one in the mirror is no longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We get to know Simon Peter as the downhearted fisherman who has nothing better to do with his time than to lend the prophet his boat as an impromptu megaphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But this prophet blesses them with a record catch and reveals Himself as the Son of God who would take the sin of the world upon Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three years later + ten days after Jesus’ crucifixion, we find Peter on the boat as we did before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Downcast again, but now with the extra weight of his own betrayal that follows him like an inseparable shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And once again this prophet blesses them with a record catch and reveals Himself as the resurrected Son of God who took the sin of the world upon Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter\u2019s too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Peter first decided to follow Jesus, there on the boat, it was perhaps largely out of curiosity with a touch of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Peter recognized Jesus this time, on that same boat, in those same circumstances, it was his faith that made him dive in like a Biblical Chad le Clos while the other disciples rowed after him. Jesus said to them, \u201cCome and have breakfast.\u201d None of the disciples dared to ask Him, \u201cWho are You?\u201d<\/em> They knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More disappointing news from the doctor. But you change. More disappointing news from the doctor. Your inspiration for the week: Canvas and clay<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter was changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They knew [without any doubt] that it was the Lord.<\/em>
John 21:12 The Message<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another challenging situation at work.
Another nerve-racking family weekend.
Nothing changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The same tests, sometimes just in different guises, come to measure how much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another challenging situation at work.
Another nerve-racking family weekend.
Everything has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n