Acts 10:1-23 NKJV

[1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, [2] a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. [3] About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” [4] And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. [6] He is lodging with Simon, a tanner whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” [7] And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. [8] So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. [9] The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. [10] Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance [11] and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. [12] In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. [13] And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” [14] But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” [15] And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” [16] This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. [17] Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. [18] And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. [19] While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. [20] Arise, therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” [21] Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” [22] And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” [23] Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day, Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

We left home yesterday morning for a family vacation. All of the things were loaded, every item was methodically scratched off the packing list, and we were on our way. Less than an hour into the trip, my mind raced with all of the potential things that may have been forgotten.

Did I remember my glasses?

Did I turn off the water heater?

What did I miss?

The prelude to a relaxing week was a plethora of anxious thoughts. I was silently overstimulated. I had to CHOOSE to start praying a prayer of gratitude. Systematically, I went from worry... to thankfulness... to praying over my family, my church people, and the coming week. Thirty minutes of praying washed away every ounce of stress for the remainder of the day.

We all lead busy lives. The hustle and bustle of work, family, friends, and ministry can feel like it is pulling us in a million different directions. Holiday events seem to add to the endless list of things to think about. Vacations aren't immune to becoming an additional source of undesirable stress.

Peter had a lot going on. He was hungry. He had a seemingly random vision. There were strangers at the door. There was an unplanned trip in the very near future. He didn't offer excuses. He didn't find a reason to say no. He trusted God and went without hesitation.

How often do we trust God blindly in the midst of chaos? I have a tendency to withdraw from any sign of unnecessary stress. When I do this, I never stop to consider the fact that I am missing out on some blessings that God has for me. I fail to be grateful for the trust God places in me to face challenges.