I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2
I took advantage of this weekend to get some yard work done. I will admit yard work is not a favorite, but I love the way a yard looks after some TLC. I was weed eating the ditch when I noticed my machine was making a lot of noise, but the weeds were not going anywhere. I flipped the weed eater over and there was just about one inch of green cord sticking out. I tugged at it, bounced the bottom on a rock and twisted the cartridge. Nothing helped. My daughter came up the hill and asked what was wrong. I relayed the information, and she took the weed eater and removed the cartridge.
“Here’s the problem. The cord was hung up on this and holding it back from releasing.”
I returned to my task. As the grass flew, I found myself thinking about what she said. “the cord was being held back”. Because the cord was unable to be released, it made the weed eater ineffectual. There was a lot of noise, but nothing was happening.
There are many things in our lives that may hold us back from realizing our potential and fulfilling God’s Plan for our lives. Sometimes it is other people, we may blame circumstances, but I believe it is mostly ourselves that hold us back. It is the fear of ridicule, fear of failure, unable or unwilling to take the risk, finances, or lack of confidence. Whatever it may be, we seem to forget that if God has placed a desire, a talent, or a mission within you, he has already taken care of all the issues you are worried about. I struggle with this myself probably a lot more than I should. I worry about being ridiculed or not having the money to do something and I worry that some people will think I am crazy. (Actually, several already do)
It is easy to be bold when our peers are cheering us on. It is easy to speak out when our message coincides with popular ideas. However, when we speak the truth and share Christ with others outside our circle it is not as easy. When we act while using the Bible as our guide, not everyone understands or appreciates our reasons. So, we hold back. We reel it in, and we render ourselves ineffectual.
Jesus dealt with the same issues during his life and ministry. He knew he had mission; he knew it when it was just 12 years old and boldly announced to his family in the synagogue, “I must be about my Father’s business”. (Luke 2:49) Jesus did not allow his human side to be held back, he walked in faith. During his ministry he did not carry food or an extra cloak but rather depended on the Lord to provide. And boy did God provide, feeding over 5,000! (Matthew 14:13-21)
So, as you read this, you may be thinking well that was Jesus of course he had faith and God made his way. I am just somebody, somewhere doing something. I get it. However, God has given you a mission. God has a plan a design and he is eager for you to step up and accept it. Stop reeling it in, let it out and get to it.
Will it be easy? Absolutely not.
Will everyone like what you do or say? Absolutely not.
Will all your family and friends support you? Absolutely not.
Will Jesus walk it with you? Absolutely.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 