When It Rains, It Pours... Or Does it?

We've all most likely heard the adage "when it rains, it pours".  We all know this to mean that it seems like when things start going bad they continue to get worse.  But I'm starting to believe that it's all about our perspective.  When things are tough, we get uncomfortable.  But that may just be right where God wants us to be.  When we are having one of "those" days or seasons it demands our faith be put into action.  If we've been too comfortable, or just complacent, in our walk with Jesus it just may be that Jesus wants to build our faith.  And if Jesus wants to mix things up a bit, shouldn't we want that too?  I've found that a common theme in my prayers has been (and still is) to be right where God wants me when He wants me to be there doing what He wants me to do.  Simply put, I want for me what God wants for me.  If Jesus wants to stretch me and build my faith in Him, that's what I want.  I don't want to see it as another moment that has been "rained on".  It's a faith-building experience that I don't want to miss out on!  As uncomfortable as it is I want to be a part of this!  Build my faith Jesus!  I want more of You!

Faith As A Mustard Seed

A few years ago, as I was coming up with ideas to use in children's Bible lessons, I ordered mustard seeds straight from Jerusalem (Yup, all the way from Israel).  The seeds are pretty much the  same size as the mustard seeds one may buy here in the U.S. of A.  And I have always learned and taught about having even just a little faith - the size of a mustard seed to be exact - and the impact that such a faith can have.  Just out of curiousity I planted a few of the seeds only a few days ago.  After only a couple days they were springing up!  I know various plants have varying germination times, but that was fast if you ask me.  Which led me to think about mustard seed-sized faith.  And did Jesus compare little faith to the size of a mustard seed not only for the size, but for how fast its presence becomes evident?  The parable in Mark 4:30-32 compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed.  Mustard seed, being one of the smallest seeds sown in the soil, still grows into a tree - fit for use as a place of refuge and rest to other members of God's creation.
     But what I never realized before is how fast it came up!  Could it be that that mountain-moving faith, not only has a small start and ultimately a big finish, but it's existence is evident relatively soon after it has been sown?

Be the miracle

Sometimes the very needs we have in our own lives we are given opportunities to meet in others first.  At first thought, this may seem a bit backwards.  But, this quite frequently, is how God operates.

Are you is the safe zone or the faith zone?

A good stretch is uncomfortable.  Stretching any further would even be painful and possibly harmful.  But stretching is good for our health , flexibility, and mobility.  When we feel good, things are going well, and we're secure - chances are we are entering the safe zone.  But, truth be told, we should spend more time in the faith zone.  Living by faith, like a good stretch, is never comfortable.  But it is where we develop the most.  We strengthen our relationship with God.  We re-prioritize and refocus on what really matters.  And, like stretching, we begin to be more flexible and more useful to God.  Living in the safe zone is nice.  But when trials come and you find yourself drifting from the safe zone into the faith zone, welcome the opportunity to stretch, grow, and strengthen your faith.

Sometimes you just have to ignore the opposition

The opposition, quite frequently, is someone or something outside of yourself but it can also come as that nagging voice on the inside telling yourself the pain is too great or the goal too lofty.  When the finish line seems to keep moving further and further, just remember that the finish line is fixed in its place.  It is just our feelings that distort our perception to make us think that the finish is eluding us.  Pace yourself, but keep going.  Keep moving forward.  Finishing is always better than the alternative.

What does it mean?

There is a God-given reason and a purpose for everything, both good and bad, in life. The best, and perhaps the only, way to get through the "down" times is to find the purpose of the struggle and to learn the lessons (yes lessons - plural) from the "down" times. Struggles may be a result of un-addressed sin in our lives, but that is not always the case. In fact, I think for most believers that is not the case. Many times, when believers struggle, God is trying to get their attention, reveal to them, and teach them something AWESOME which will also bless others in their sphere of influence when applied correctly. We MUST see these struggles as opportunities to grow and not just obstacles to overcome. Mountains may look big and menacing while they're in front of us but they are often soon forgotten after they're conquered. When we face struggles God wants to show and teach us something that we will not forget after we've passed through to the other side. The perceived difficulty of the trial will fade once it has passed but the lessons learned must remain. Find the purpose in whatever you are facing today. Ask God to show you what you need to be learning through it. Look for ways to bless others with what you are learning.

Discipline

• The hardest part about staying focused on the the finish is not others who distract you... It is when your inner desires lead you away.