17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Cor 4:17 (KJV)

The load gets lighter, the time gets shorter and the difficulties have meaning once it is known there is purpose and reason for it all. There is such a tendency for the weight to become unbearable and the time unendurable when it seems like it is all for naught, but as soon as it is fully understood that each difficulty, each effort and each moment is but an investment in something that is exponentially greater in glory, the step takes on a spring, the face a smile and the timer loses its tick.

Several years ago, while living in Tulsa, I was employed as a night clerk at a convenience store. It was actually a chain of stores with several locations around town, and I was privileged to work at some of the more interesting and challenging ones. There was one especially that was located on the opposite side of the city in a particularly dangerous and seedy area just beyond the city center. It had more of a robbery risk than most and was actually robbed just before I arrived for my shift one evening.
While the night clerk had to run the register, the main duty was to have the whole store cleaned and presentable by the time the manager arrived at 6:00. There was always something to do and you could pretty much keep moving all night long, but those hours from 2:00 AM to 6:00 were long and quiet. You also never knew who might join you in your aloneness and in what condition they might be.

As long, lonely, dangerous and physically exhausting as it was to work my little job, there was something that somehow made it worth all the effort- every other Friday when the paycheck would be in my slot. Sometimes there would be an opportunity to work an additional shift, and even as much as all three shifts in a row. You would think that those working the additional shifts would be too tired and worn out to be of much use, but for whoever was working all those additional hours, there was an understanding with the employer that the rate of pay would go to time and ½. Instead of the normal amount on the check, there would also be an amount that was nicely increased at the expanded rate. Those people whom you might expect to be dragging were oftentimes energized and motivated by the understanding that an increased reward was directly related to their efforts. Now, nobody was getting rich, but there was something very real about the reward and its ability to take the mind off of the clock and work effectively through the night. As rewarding as it might have been to work hard and just take pride in a job well done, once the monetary compensation ceased to adequately offset the effort and time, there was no problem with saying, ‘adios’, to the folks at the store.

Jesus said that in this world we would have difficulties and things that we would be ‘afflicted’ with. I love it, though, that rather than just enduring each difficulty with an eye ever on the clock and a scale ever determining its weight of difficulty, we can know that directly related to everything that might tempt us to give up and quit is a reward of far greater magnitude. We are here promised that no matter the length of our endurance and how great the load we’re made to bear, every moment and every ounce is directly impacting our magnitude of timeless and unending heavenly blessing that is ever growing exponentially in size. Though it might seem like the night is lasting forever it will be shown to be the mere moment it truly is, and though the weight seems unbearable it will be shown to be but a feather in comparison to the glory our efforts are affecting. Every trial is not only much smaller than it seems, but it’s also being used to make our glory paycheck one that is more than worth it all. It will never be necessary or even conceivable to say ‘adios’ to the folks at the store when it is fully known that the balance will always go to the weight of God’s glory reward- just need to keep working till He shows up at 6:00.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Joshua 14:10-15 KJV
(10)  And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.
(11)  As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.
(12)  Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
(13)  And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
(14)  Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

And it wasn’t like he was just sitting back in sweet repose this whole time. No, this was a man who, at forty, chose to go completely against popular opinion and actually believe the promise of God – that he would possess the land he went to spy out. Then, after outliving all the unbelievers in the in the ultimate survival of the wilderness, he was right in the middle of the battles for occupation. And finally, while many of the ‘athletes’ half his age were having knee problems and other ailments of activity and conflicts, he was no less functional or powerful at 85, and ready to take personal possession of his real estate inheritance.

A few things came to mind while reading about Caleb this morning: While first in line for the trusting game, he was dead last for the whining and complaining game; His ability to eventually qualify for the land was completely dependent upon what he did in the mean time, otherwise he would have died off or have been so stowed up he could never enjoyed it at all; Because he wholly followed the Lord it directly affected the discipline of his lifestyle and the maintenance of his health- it wasn’t just by the Spirit that he was still strong, but also by the exercise, diet and care applied to his God-given body; Though not in possession of any landscape for those forty five years, he was in continual possession of a promise that would sustain and preserve him more than any other- His relationship and nearness to His God; And finally, what would have happened even after all those years had he not reminded God of His promise, as it wasn’t until he placed his claim that he possessed it?

To come into a relationship with God is to come into a realm of promise that is not without its share of unpopularity, wilderness, opposition, and passage of time. Not one of us is without an assurance of not only a heavenly possession, but also victory, provision and possession here on this earth. So much of our ability to actually and eventually enjoy much of what is ours, though, has everything to do with what we’re doing with the promise of His presence right here and right now, and how it is affecting our life discipline and character. Where there is true belief and trust, there is an ability to act as if it is already done and the identity of the ‘owner’ is who we are long before the claim is made for the land. The body and existing possessions are treated with the honor and appreciation of a treasured gift just as significant as any other to come, while potential discouragements and setbacks are hardly even noticed compared to the largeness of the existing yet to be seen promise. For the one who hast chosen to cast the care of the wilderness and opposition upon the One who is their continual possession there will be the capacity to possess with joy and health the fullness of all that is rightfully theirs at the appointed time and when they so choose. Every moment to that point, though, will be filled with the contentment of one who has wholly followed in unwavering strength and confidence.

Deuteronomy 10:8-9 KJV
(8)  At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.
(9)  Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.

Who gets what? This is the promise finally coming to pass- the possession of the land by each tribe according to relationship with their father, Israel. This is what inspired, motivated and drove them through the many long years in which they escaped from Egypt’s bondage, crossed the sea on dry ground, survived the wilderness and subdued a giant-filled land. There would finally be a place to call home, spread out and make it their own. Cheers possibly went up as each land portion was declared, and surely there was great celebration for all those receiving their promised inheritance. While it may be less than engaging to now read the list of how the land was divided, for each of those waiting for their own name, there must have been great anticipation and excitement -all of those, perhaps, until the very last one.

By that time the Levites may have been suspecting something, because there would have been no portion of the Promised Land left for possession; all had been already portioned out to the eleven. So, while the other tribes were already visualizing the best place for their swimming pool and golf course, the Levites discovered that their inheritance would be a continuation of what had been theirs all along, the sacrifices in the presence of the Lord. Now, where expectations were high for landscapes, neighborhoods, malls, and camel fleets, it might have seemed to some that instead of saving the best till last, that God had saved nothing at all for last and was going low budget. Maybe like a grandfather showing up at his own inheritance disbursal and giving the last of his children a room in his own house rather than their own county. This, however, was a perception that would prove to be quite the opposite of reality. All of the lands and possessions given to the other tribesmen that day would eventually be lost as enemies were allowed to invade, displace and rob them. But, the inheritance of their place in the presence and service of God could never be taken. It was an eternal inheritance that, while a possession itself, would also be the source of all other possessions and provisions they would ever need.

It may seem from time to time that in the dispersal of stuff there is a discrepancy and unfairness as to who gets what. Much may have been sacrificed for the sake of service to the Father. Lands may have been left behind, relatives died off in the wilderness and fortunes lost at a fork in the road. There is, however, an unshakeable confidence in the rejoicing of those who have come to realize just how truly fortunate and privileged they are with the inheritance of incomparable value and duration in God himself. While there may be others who are riding off on their camels to places of apparent grandeur and wealth, there will be a day when their eyes are cast with longing back upon those with the sacrifices. If their inheritance does not include the last and most precious dispersal, there will be a removal of all short lived earthly wealth while those in the presence of the King are taken to places of prominence and heavenly acreage.

Right when it may appear that the promise may only be for others, there is an opportunity to rejoice and celebrate the best part of the kingdom that could ever be inherited, the very presence and service of our Father. In His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. For all those who find their true fulfillment in Him there will never be reason for frustration, disappointment or discouragement. He will more than satisfy and provide.

Revelation 5:9-13 KJV
(9)  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
(10)  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
(11)  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
(12)  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
(13)  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Psa 27:9  Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

It seems that this may be one of the greatest challenges in relationships- wondering what the other person is thinking. Maybe they’ve acted in a certain way or not at all, prompting an interpretation of those actions or lack thereof. As life has passed by with a few speed bumps along the way, there is reason for wariness and caution because of past betrayals or abandonments. If they are not heard from for a while it might seem that something is wrong and that person has been set off in some manner towards you. Sometimes there may have even been some failure on your own part that has compromised your confidence towards that person- something was said about them, or maybe negative thoughts or attitudes have been harbored. Insecurity has many resources to draw from and often utilizes them well in disrupting otherwise potentially valuable and rewarding relationships.

It’s interesting that this passage from Psalms takes place in the middle of this beautiful exposition of an intimate relationship with a faithful, loving and protecting Father. David was one who had much reason to be insecure with his relationships, having had close friends and confidants turn their backs and betray him. Though obviously inspired by God’s ever-present involvement in his life, the reality of life pokes its head in for a breather in an otherwise uplifting expression. This, however, did reveal just how fragile and vulnerable we are and how even the ‘man after God’s heart’ had moments of wondering.

I had a recent phone conversation with a friend whom I’ve not seen in several years. We had our rewarding and inspiring words as usual, but then at the end we spoke about the infrequency of our interaction. We each expressed that, though there may not be any peeps heard from the other, appreciation, honor and respect had not diminished in the least. In fact, the renewed communication after an extended lapse actually served to instill confidence in our relationship- that though there may be silence for some time, this doesn’t rightfully indicate a loss of respect or value in the other’s heart or mind. All that will ever be needed is a phone call for the voice to be heard and the confirmation and assurance possessed that our friendship has no fractures. 

So, was it necessary for this prayer to go up in order for God to stick around? Was He headed out the door with a need to get away from such an unfavorable person? I believe that this prayer was a necessary one, but it was necessary for the movement of David towards God more than God towards David. In David’s prayer was a passionate fixation on the One that He knew to be his necessity, his hope and his salvation. There may have been a resident insecurity and concern that God would somehow depart and leave him as others had, but in the request for God to not turn away in anger, there was actually a phone call made to a friend who could never be lost to a transgression or failure. By lifting up His voice to God, there was communication renewed and an avenue through which God could speak and impart His heart of love once more.

He has promised to never leave or forsake. For various reasons it may be perceived that He has and we have to go it alone without our Salvation. All it takes, though is that necessary call, the one that will instill and further establish His faithfulness once more.

James 4:7-10
(7)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(8)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(9)  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
(10)  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Isaiah 14:24-27 KJV
(24)  The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
(25)  That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.
(26)  This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
(27)  For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

There has been an incredible amount of attention given to the declared intended purpose of two men in recent months. To have listened much at all to revelations about their character, vision for this country, and ability to lead us out of some present difficult times to a better way was to have been drawn into a deep conviction that only one of them should be chosen (or neither of them). My experience with similar contests of the past is that this sets a large group of people up for a great deal of disappointment clouded in fear over where our country will end up in the hands of the dreaded opponent. But also, for the remaining bunch who are sent into soaring realms of ecstasy over what they see as the necessary victory of their hero there is an ascent to a very precipitous position from which they will some day surely find themselves falling. For both camps that have placed their hopes and dreams in the success of their candidate, there is an inevitable realization that the ‘one’ they’ve chosen has or will let them down. Whether failing to win out in popularity or successfully implementing their promised improvement without scandal or accidental mishap, there is one surety for all who’ve experienced this, our most recent ‘most important and historical’ election- disappointment and unfulfilled purpose. To have lost a contest is especially unnerving, but the real contest is only beginning for the ‘victor’. There has never been one in our past who has failed to fail in some way, bringing great disappointment to all those who once rejoiced and believed in the hope of his proclaimed purpose.

There is something of great comfort and solace for each and every one of us, though, both for now and in the coming months and years. There really is One who’s purpose is to provide exactly what is needed for deliverance, provision, and freedom, and while words of human contestants can be just that- words with no real ability to fulfill, we have a father who’s Word will never return void, who will accomplish all He has spoken without failure or disappointment. It may appear that one view or one human plan has won out over another, but our God has purposed a purpose that is being accomplished even now through all the characters involved, both ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. While consideration of His purpose has not been top priority in recent political discussions, other than the obligatory “God bless America”, it is exactly His purpose that is working through each one of the characters involved, and it will be His purpose that is ultimately accomplished. Each and every office holder with their declared purpose is really just a part of what God will use to accomplish His purpose. If He’s got something in mind, no one will stand in His way or come close to disannulling His purpose.

So many of our passions and life decisions are driven by a need for relief and security and a desire to succeed and be productive. In choosing a candidate, hope is placed upon how he can affect this, how his touch will mend, restore and bless, but the only touch that will successfully remove the yoke that is felt in any society is the anointing of Almighty God. The choice for well placed hope in Him will never result in disillusionment whether a chosen human leader has failed to win office or the ‘victorious history maker’ is discovering how difficult it is to keep every single promise. Hope in Him never has cause for dimming or questioning of the decision to choose His way, and for the one fortunate enough to have made Him their choice, their candidate, their hero, there is no failure here on earth that will dislodge the confident assurance that God’s purpose is coming to pass, no matter how circumstances might declare otherwise. No matter who fills an office in our government there is only One who fills the office of our hope, and prayers can go out in faith to Him for all the fallible ones, knowing that they will be most useful in fulfilling His purpose.

Isaiah 10:27 KJV
(27)  And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Romans 8:28 KJV
(28)  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ISV)
But thanks be to God! He always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowing him.

There are certain people that, if followed will always lead to a victory, to the goal achieved- to triumph. Now, the way to that victory may have some pretty difficult terrain, but if the leader is only followed, one can be quite certain that success is inevitable.

When my brother and I set out to climb mount Kilimanjaro several years ago, we were assigned a porter, or guide. The trail to the top of the mountain started in jungle-like landscape and extended over 20 miles up the huge mountain, most of it above timberline. We might have been able to eventually find our way to the top, but we could have also very easily lost our way altogether as there were many forks along the path. There was also the fact that most of the way was up, which meant difficult. In fact, the last portion was almost straight up over volcanic gravel. Without the direction and encouragement of our experienced porter, we definitely might have chosen a more horizontal option, maybe even just stretched out for a little r & r. We did make it to the top, however, which was inevitable as long as we kept following our faithful leader. At any point along the way, when the going got extremely difficult we could also be most grateful for the comfort in knowing that every step in the footsteps of our leader was a step towards our goal.

Our Redeemer has already won an incredible victory, and He’s done it on our behalf. He is headed even now towards a summit that is far above the clouds overlooking all that might have been so difficult to ascend. For all who will but follow, there can be so much gratitude for the fact that no matter how difficult the terrain, every step is taking us ever closer to the ultimate triumph in Him. In fact ever step that follows His leading is a step that is itself victorious. Through rejection, persecution, discouragement, and an incredible amount of opposition, if we’ll not take any alternate route and just never quit following, triumph is a continual possession. He’s always leading us there.

Psalms 28:5-7 KJV

(5)  Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
(6)  Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.
(7)  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Where there is a trusting heart, there is a rejoicing one, and where the works of the Lord are regarded in praise, there is not only escape from destruction, but also building up from the Lord.

Several years ago there was a businessman that chose to run on an independent ticket for the presidency. He was a very short man with a bit of an odd appearance that might be considered unattractive, and an annoying, nasally voice. At first sight and sound he definitely, at least for me, didn’t provide an impression that would make me want to trust him to clean my car, let alone lead my country. It wasn’t until you began to be interested in what he had already managed to accomplish that this impression could be altered. He had been very successful at running his companies and had developed some strong opinions of how the country should be run, but his biggest challenge was getting people to be impressed enough with those things to get past his appearance. He did manage to do this for a large number of people, however- those that most regarded his accomplishments and embraced him as their candidate. Most people, on the other hand, weren’t familiar enough with his qualifications or else didn’t really understand or relate to them. Their hearts were never turned by who he really was.

All right, I know God isn’t a small little man with a squeaky voice, but there is an issue, it seems, today with acknowledging His works and allowing this to affect the condition of the heart. For some it may be their perception has been a bit skewed by what they’ve seen in one of His followers, while others may have a difficult time with resolving circumstances regarding His existence. Some have just never even heard the news of the gospel. For those of us, though, who have tasted of His goodness and heard of His incredible works, there is no reason for anything other than a heart that is rejoicing and a resulting song of praise. Even in the direst of circumstances there will be more than enough reason for the heart to defy their normal response by rejoicing, if it will but spend some time regarding the incredible greatness of our God. Where the heart is overwhelmed, though, and oppression has set in, the inferior deeds and abilities of the frightening or challenging opposition must have gained precedence in praise. The mouth will have given more time and focus to regarding the wicked and their deeds than the far greater resume of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Today is a day of victory, preservation and building up in the presence of the Lord. Where He’s regarded and praise occupies the mouth this will most certainly be the case. If anything other than this victory starts to raise its little ugly head with a squeaky little voice, disregarding it and displacing it with regard for the Almighty will return the heart once again to the much preferred state of rejoicing and encouragement. Why even acknowledge the inferior?  He is great and greatly to be praised.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
(28)  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Some things are much easier when- you’ve done them before, you’re more mature and strong, you know the tricks and work-arounds, and you can see the bigger picture- right? I know that whenever I’m around my Dad there is this natural tendency to just let him take over and do whatever I’m up to, from playing the guitar, fixing the sink, or measuring a roof. From childhood to the present he has this way of making things appear easy and doable after I may have been attempting them for some time. We actually did that last one recently when Mom and he were visiting and he characteristically wanted to go along with me for my day of work. We came upon this house that was really next to impossible to figure out. Normally I would try to get up on top and actually run a tape along all things measurable, but this one was very high, very steep, and all access points had some restriction that made climbing up on top of it too difficult for me anyway. I applied several little tricks that I’ve learned along the way, but there was one measurement that was eluding me as to how it could be measured without just making a wild guess. He just looked at it for a while and came up with a very accurate method that could be done safely from the ground and with a great deal of ease. He again came through as always before with a way that relieved me of so much effort and exertion I would have been up to on my own.

It’s not that we’re to remove our involvement altogether, because the passion and care that has driven our hearts to work so hard to this point is exactly what God would like to partner with. He sees and cares for everything that concerns us in the least, and really all He’s waiting for to get His hands dirty is a little, “Dad, could you help me with this?” He’s been there and done that, He’s way more strong, He knows all the tricks and work-arounds, He knows the end from the beginning, and if need be, He can just create or transform whatever needs changing. He does like to make it a team thing, though, because He wants us to be strengthened, empowered, skilled and capable in the Spirit together with Him. He wants this to be a growing experience as our pulling is a pulling that is yoked together with the One who knows just how it needs to be done. He also wants for us to be eased from the burden this life experience has placed on us. He wants to bring joy and fulfillment to a life where failures and impossible circumstances would prohibit them. As the work becomes something that is shared with Him, there will be, as evidence, a significantly lightened load, letting you know that indeed His yoke has been taken. There may be a whole day of plowing ahead, but with Him doing most of the pulling it can actually be a gratifying experience.

This is His desire and this is His prepared purpose in Christ for us that we no longer have to bear the weight of our heart’s most anguishing loads in personal failures, relationship challenges, financial mountains, or suffering self image or identity. Our Dad has come to stay and He’s really great with starting the mower on the first pull after you’ve been trying it all day, making the sink seal completely after you’ve never been able to keep that last little leak from dripping, or measuring quite safely things that have been threatening to cause a fall with great injury and damage. All He needs is for us to take our seemingly impossible situations to His side where they can be hooked up to His ability that has never even been closely challenged. Then, He has to be allowed to carry the real weight of the load, while ours is but a prayer of faith, acknowledging that He really is at work on our behalf. That fervent prayer then becomes the only part we need to bear as it is made to be most effect in His hands.

Seems like Dad’s gonna be staying for quite awhile- like, eternity – yeah!

Psalms 126:5-6 KJV
(5)  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
(6)  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

So what makes this seed so precious? You would think that any seed put in the ground would just produce. That’s what seeds do after all, right? Yet there is something passionately connected to this seed that causes it to bring much more than just another harvest. At the time when resources are diminishing, with the meal storage getting dangerously low, taking what is obviously needed for nourishment and putting it in a place that doesn’t have any guarantee of return would seem to be foolhardy and irresponsible. The greater the risk, the greater will be the difficulty and anguish of heart. When the storage is overflowing, taking a portion of it to sow again is hardly thought of and its harvest is taken in as a matter of course. For the seed, though, that might be the last hope for continued existence, it won’t just be thrown haphazardly into the air. It will be placed carefully into well turned soil, fertilized, watered and weeded, and when the great effort given to its growth is rewarded with harvest, it will produce more than just seed. There will be an overwhelming abundance of joy, relief and gratitude. The more treasured the seed, the more it will bring inspiration and motivation to the heart of the one that can affect its success. It has become incredibly valuable and precious because it appears to be the last of its kind that has promise of increase and hope for abundance. It is precious because it will commit every moment of its possessor to insuring its success.

For both financial and emotional storage there is increased value that comes with diminished supply and carrying the seed to a field of hope becomes a tearful experience. In Christ, though, there is great doubt removing possibility in applying the promises in His Word to every situation, sowing those few dollars into the right soil, and investing precious time and energy in what might not bring an obvious immediate result. Embracing the passion of the heart with each carefully placed seed will also mean caring for it through its maturity, watering and nourishing it with prayer and care for it and its soil. Those precious dollars will be given into a carefully considered ministry that is subsequently lifted up in prayer, positive confession of the Word, and personal commitment of precious time. That emotional life situation with a wayward loved one, career decision, relational and social challenges, personal strongholds or addictions, or physical ailments will require something other than just expended worry and fret. While it would seem that the situation requires any remaining strength to figure it out and do what is necessary to resolve it, there is an opportunity to take the precious seed to that field of hope, that place of redemption in Christ, where choosing to be strong means taking on His strength. As time and energy is given to casting cares on Him and trusting in His promises, there is an assurance that joy will replace sorrow as righteousness prevails.

There is precious seed in our possession and bearing it to the field of hope in Christ may produce tears of sorrow, but as this passion is given to the care of that seed, as faith’s efforts are applied according to what the Father has spoken, one can have secure knowledge that a celebration is inevitable with the seed’s increase and harvest. No matter how difficult or challenging, it is the right choice and the only one with a future in Him.

Isaiah 46:6-7 CEV
(6)  Some people hire a goldsmith and give silver and gold to be formed into an idol for them to worship.
(7)  They carry the idol on their shoulders, then put it on a stand, but it cannot move. They call out to the idol when they are in trouble, but it doesn’t answer, and it cannot help.

Highly motivated by the illusion of gratification and fulfilled desires, it is easy to devote extensive resources to acquire, develop and enhance that object of worship in life. Whether it’s a job, skill, relationship, home, position, television, tool, or toy, in order to gain that thing, to have it in all its promise of fulfillment, it will require great effort. For that thing to do its thing and bring whatever it is it brings, it will have to be purchased, positioned and transported to the place where it can be placed in prominence and given the devotion it demands. It can go nowhere on its own, but will have to be carried about, totally and completely dependent upon the efforts of its worshiper for its existence. Then, at the time when it’s supposed to be there in all of its glory, it fails, blows a fuse, doesn’t show up or answer calls, leaving its devotee with nothing of substance. You would think that after all the time spent looking at it, all the money provided to acquire it, and every effort extended to lift and carry it, it could at least be there for you in the time of difficulty? It could at least respond when a cry goes out to it to gratify once more?

While the gods of this world require us for their movement and existence, there is one God that is exploding with promise of life and all its potential goodness, which doesn’t require any rides, who has, in fact, already been giving us a lift from the day we were born. Though he’s incredibly faithful to do what He alone can do, all He requires of us is that we show up at the bus stop and get on board for the destination of a lifetime. To worship Him and hold Him up in a place of prominence is to never be disillusioned by subsequent failure on His part to answer a call for help. It is His passion, desire, and ability to carry us all the way to the end of a fulfilled and gratified life in Him. How is it that any other god could take His place in the heart, or His place in time devoted to worshiping Him? Stepping off the bus at a worldly god stop only disables Him from transporting us to the place of gratified promise in Him.

Given the opportunity to be carried about by the Creator of all things, why waste time and effort on the things that will just perish and burn up with the passing of time and the onset of age. Unless those other passions include Him, they will only serve to divert from focus on the only One who will answer the call in the time of trouble. He’s at the stop right now- good time to say goodbye to those demanding loser gods and get on.

Isaiah 46:3-4 CEV
(3)  You survivors in Israel, listen to me, the LORD. Since the day you were born, I have carried you along.
(4)  I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.