DON'T stop waiting!

To wait is defined as; to stay in place in expectation, to stay until an expected event takes place or until someone arrives. Often times we wait for things to happen in our lives and we may even wait in expectation but sometimes the unexpected may come and bring blessings along with it if we rise to the challenge. St. John shares a story in his book the 5th chapter from verses 1-15 of sick, lame and blind people lying in wait at the Sheep gate near the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. An angel would come down periodically and stir the water in the pool; at that time whoever stepped in first would be healed of their ailment. I can imagine the anticipation of all those that were laying waiting on the angel to show up. I can also imagine the “black Friday” rush towards the pool when they saw the water being stirred. I wonder how many lost their lives fighting for their healing? At any rate, one particular man had been lying and waiting his turn for a healing for thirty eight years. One day Jesus showed up on the scene. Being The Almighty, of course Jesus knew the man’s condition as well as how long he had been waiting. Instead of summoning the angel to come down, which he very well could have, Jesus asked the man what some may say was an obvious question. He asked, “Do you want to be healed?” Here’s where the man, like many of us almost went wrong, in my opinion. I think his reply should have simply been, “yes.” Of course he wanted to be healed why else was he waiting by the pool for the last thirty eight years? Instead of answering the question straight forward it looks like to me; the man invited Jesus to his “pity party.” He said, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” He must not have known who he was talking to because if he had, he would have defiantly said yes! I think he was to busy still focusing on what he could or did NOT have. How many times have we done this? Just like this man, our blessing could be staring us right in the face if only we would stop whining and take time to notice. Despite the man’s failure to recognize Him Jesus, still desired to bless him, think about this for a moment…do I need to go there? Ok, I will. How many times does our wonderful Savior come to our rescue and provide for us even when we stand before him OVER LOOKING HIM? In verse 8 Jesus says to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. All I can think is, wow! He could have been healed at least 5 minutes earlier had he realized his healing was coming from the one he was speaking to…Jesus. So how much faster will you receive your next blessing despite the obstacles you may be facing? Stop looking for “someone,” to come to your rescue. Stop sitting around waiting for someone to tell you it’s your turn! Believe in your savior and just say “YES,” because He is always there when you want Him. He is standing before you with exactly what you need. Think about it!

Power Outage!

Due to the recent weather conditions in Georgia, I am sure that I am not the only one who began to think of ways to prepare in case of a power outage. A few of the essential items I decided we will always need around the house in order to survive are; candles, non-perishable food and of course water. This got me to thinking about how so many scrambled during the storms, hastily preparing. Hundreds of Georgians were rushing to stores purchasing items like the ones listed above to make their lives more comfortable in the event of a power outage. So I wondered, what about spiritual survival? Are we hurriedly doing what it takes to prepare our souls in case of “eternal power outage?” Many have heard and said the expression, “death like taxes is immanent.” Scripture tells us in Hebrews 9:27 “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” One of my Facebook friends posted an interesting and true status he simply said, “Weather man says, a storm is coming, people say we better prepare.” “Preacher man says; Jesus is coming, people say…whatever.” I believe this to be more than true. Everyday millions of men and women life as if they will never die. They say and do things that prove they do not believe what the word clearly states, “man will die and after that…judgment.” What was your reaction to the weather man’s forecast that said there would be ice and snow that could cause power outages? I’m sure some ignored but I’d bet more people prepared than those that did not. Why is that? Because they believed the “forecast.” They believed the words of the weatherman. Well I’m here to tell you that the Bible is nothing but a long “forecast.” It tells us of things sure to come that we must prepare for. When it is time for your “power outage” (meaning the end of your days) will you be prepared? Will you have “candles” (or the light of God’s love embedded in your heart?) Will you have food (or the non-perishable word of God engrained in your beliefs?) Will you have water (or the refreshing of God’s Holy Spirit leading you?) If you have not been preparing, start now! As long as you have breath in your lungs you still have time to get your soul ready for its earthly departure. So when it comes to making your natural life more comfortable in case of power outage by all means; gather up candles, food, blankets and whatever else you can think of. However, when it comes to ensuring your eternal life’s comfort when you experience your “eternal power outage,” look to THE BOOK (the Bible). Think about it!