Thorny Issues (Part of the He Said - She Said Series)

Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them… As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." Matthew 13:7 & 22

(The He Said- She Said Series can be found at the Christian Devotions web site)

There are things this world chooses to hoard, thoughts and reasoning that simply cannot be understood. The whys of issues – why does this happen or why does that happen. When I can’t find the understanding for the mishaps of life, I become frustrated and angry. For example, why is it, the harder I try to do what the Father asks, the harder Satan attacks me? Why is that?

I understand that God never promised us an easy path but what about the efforts we make along the way? Doesn’t that count for something? There are times when temptation is almost more than I can bear. The little things gnaw and pick at me and like a mosquito bite constantly itching. The more I scratch the worse it itches. For every good thing I manage it’s like three bad things erupt and sometimes, the work I’ve done gets torn to shreds. Why is that?

It goes back to a parable – the one where the sower is tossing seeds everywhere. Some seeds find good soil, some find rocks, or the pathway, others find good soil but they’re overtaken by thorns that are already planted firmly. For those works that fall into the thicket and grow I find there must be a two-fold reason for their taking roots and sprouting. The first being that glimmer of hope much of the world misses. Even in the pain and frustration of the thorns, the Father springs to life a single flower of hope. It may only last a short time, but it’s there to offer hope. The second being, a short-lived usefulness, one that sprouts in the middle of chaos, rises slightly above the thicket to set an example. It may soon meet its demise, but the fact is God used it temporarily. At least that’s how God tries to explain it to me.

The Father constantly reminds me that the work I do is never fruitless. I may not see the benefits but then, it may not be for me to see. The whys of the world remain the worlds’, and I still never come into the understanding of what happened to the efforts I’d worked toward. Instead, I feel a little hurt – even cheated, that they’ve been choked out. Perhaps a little selfish in thinking that the fruits were mine to begin with – a bit cocky, don’t you think?

Still the whole ordeal is a learning process. The issue is whether I’m willing to learn or if I insist on continually questioning the “how comes.” When I trust, all my efforts are just that --“efforts.” God can use those where ever and however He’s sees fit. Suddenly the why’s of the world don’t matter anymore. It’s that “everything works for the good” part. God takes the efforts, even when they’ve fallen into unsustainable ground, and causes them to flourish for a short time. Are they able to remain strong and fit for duty – probably not, they’re growing among the thorns, but the Father turns them into a good that suits His will.

Ultimately, it’s not for me to question the whys of the world, rather it is my task to plant the seeds, to work and produce what God can cultivate and use to His good. I’d be lying to say that it doesn’t bother me a bit. It does bother me, especially when I see a project take root, flourish, then suddenly wither and die on the vine. However, it’s not about me, now is it? It’s all about the Father and his righteous plan. And the sooner I learn that, the greater my reward. I’m human and I’m tempted and tried daily.

It’s not fair nor is it right - especially when I am able to call myself Christian. The fact remains, what has fallen and taken root can be used to the glory of the Father. So from the madness of the world, comes goodness. From the trials and temptations I face come strength and wisdom. It doesn’t pay for me to try and dig the flowering plants from among the thorns and hope they’ll thrive if transplanted. All I manage to get from the deal is scratched up. They have fallen and taken root in the soreness of life. Now God will use them to His glory and the work was worth the effort.

Seeking His Comfort

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. – 1 Corinthians 1:3-4

There is not one of us who has not experienced uncertainty, hurt, or pain. It seems the way of the world to jerk us around, reeking havoc in our somewhat peaceful lives. Our problem may be illness, trouble with a child, or a tough decision. Still it doesn’t matter what the issue is – what matters, is finding the peace to live with the outcome.

When I took my walk with the Father, I asked Him, “How do I find comfort when my heart is heavy, when life is shoving me in every direction?” I felt Him snug me tight under His armpit and that was what comfort “felt” like.

“You trust that I will provide. I will use the situation to show you good when your eyes are ready to see.”

“Meanwhile, I’m miserable?”

“Maybe, if you choose to dwell in unhappiness. But if you step forward in faith, you’ll find rest. It may not be complete resolve, but you’ll find comfort and acceptance. I’ll provide that for you – even if the situation doesn’t turn out to suit you. Better yet, when you least expect it, you’ll be able to relate that peace to someone else. They can, in turn, share with someone else – so the hand of peace continues to extend.”

“So comfort is not resolve?”

“Nope. Not always. But it is acceptance and peace. So trust me.”

God has never once promised us life would be easy. Even His son had a difficult life on earth. He does, however, promise us an abiding comfort when we ask. We must be willing to ask, to seek, and to wait for the peace He will provide. His grace is sufficient for us.

I felt the Father gently kiss my forehead. “Do you remember who’s tender kisses brought you comfort?” He asked me. A flood of memories dumped into my head –good memories.

“I do. Daddy used to kiss me on the forehead.”

“And what did you find in that kiss?”

“Comfort.”

“There you have it. Things are not better, but you’re okay. Comfort.”

God makes such good sense when we listen for His voice – when we give Him the opportunity to work in our lives. It’s not always easy, but there is comfort to be found and we are able to share that with others when they are in need. It’s like He says, “His grace is sufficient for us.” What comfort!

Prayer: Precious Father, when my life seems out of sorts, offer me comfort and give me good eyes to see it.

Fishin'

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” – Mark 1:17

Ahh – the adventures of fishing. It’s a good family project, especially when the kids are young. When our boys were in elementary school, fishing became a family project. This was good family time. We drew the attention of onlookers because our brood looked like a small army lined along the bank of the river.

Our refrigerator not only held groceries, but way in the back was a plastic container inside a zip lock back, inside ANOTHER, zip lock bag. Contents? You guessed it, worms.

The boys seemed to enjoy the time we spent fishing. At least we thought they did. Three of our boys were fish magnets. All they had to do was drop a line in the water and they were snagging blue gill as fast as we could bate the hooks. Our third child, however, rarely caught a thing. In the beginning, he was excited anytime anyone caught a fish. He was the first to drop his rod and run to help take the fish off the hook and throw it back. As time passed, he became frustrated. “I never catch anything.”

We’d have him trade places with one of the boys who was catching fish, and still nothing. However, he kept trying. One day we were loading the car to take the boys to fishing when our son vanished. “Go get your brother and tell him we’re ready to go.” Suddenly we were two kids short. Everyone climbed into the car and Tim began to toot the horn. After five minutes or so, I climbed from the car and headed into the house. Downstairs sat Cameron and Justin, hammer and nails in hand.

“What are you guys doing?”

“Building a fish trap to catch a fish.” That was the last day we went fishing. There was no way, I planned on standing on the shoreline tossing a wood box with a rope tied to it into the lake. Our son was determined to catch a fish, or a fresh water lobster (so he said).

Jesus didn’t have to beg the men He approached to follow Him. He offered them a simple pledge, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Is that cool or what? Suddenly their nets seemed unimportant and the words of the Master burned into their hearts. They willing dropped what they were doing and followed. There was no how comes or waits, they simply followed.

I sometimes think the Christian is becoming extinct. We are not fishing like we should be. Men are trying to build boxes to lure people in instead of fishing for the souls of men. I’m all for family settings in the church, but there is a fine line between worship and entertainment. If we have to bribe families with fine entertainment and food just to get them in the door, then I have to wonder – where is our evangelism? It’s not always the number we recruit, rather it is soul of the fisherman. Having buildings full of attendees is worthless if they are not touched. Each person who walks through the doors of the church should be met, welcomed, loved, and taught fully. They need to examine their hearts, and be challenged, then encouraged, and finally, saved. I sometimes wonder if we are losing sight of this task Jesus exemplified. I’m not saying activities in the church are wrong. I enjoy a good picnic as well as the next guy. What I am saying, is do we make the gallant effort to bring Jesus into the hearts of our congregation, or do they go home simply entertained. The ultimate question becomes, “Do you fish these days?”

Prayer: Lord, give us guidance and ability to be fishers of men.