Power Surge
In midlife, I have suffered from occasional power surges when I couldn’t get cool enough. That’s one reason I enjoy the cool weather so much. A grown woman can only remove so many clothes in civil society. Since the electric cooperative that serves us has more customer use on the coldest or hottest days, we have occasional power surges or power fluctuations because of the increased demand on the supply. The lights dim and the appliances whine a little. While these situations are not frightening, they serve as a reminder that our supply could be interrupted.
Christians sometimes exhibit power surges. You’ve seen them. They run hot for a while and then cold in their attendance and performance. God moves on them and they work for a while; then they get disillusioned or disappointed or offended and quit. Israel’s history is full of it. The early church had its own issues with it. Why? The church is full of imperfect humans. BUT… God has a need for consistent, devoted children whose testimony is flavored by love, powered by the Spirit and characterized by dependability.
Our community is blessed with many good churches. My pastor and I recently discussed the nature of today’s service-oriented society that drives families to move from church to church looking for the right flavor and fit. There’s nothing wrong with that to an extent because each church has its own personality and specific mission. I wonder, though, how many seek the Lord to find out where God would like them to serve and how many who float decide to stay and grow with the generations to come. Church isn’t a service to obtain, but an opportunity to adopt a family, warts and all.
A loving pastor who has gone to meet Jesus once preached a lasting sermon on Isaiah 40:31: “They that wait (trust) upon the Lord shall renew (change in Hebrew) their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint” (KJV). Brother Hodges discussed the fact that God needs servants who wait (serve) while waiting like the waiter at the tableside in an expensive restaurant. The best waiter attends the patron and notices the need. In waiting on others, God provides and strengthens us. Christians show our reliance on Him when we get busy in the kingdom by using our talents wherever we can. I have often noticed that when I get busy meeting the needs of others, my focus changes from my personal unanswered prayers to greater, wider needs I had never considered.
Oh Lord, as I write this, I envision how you got up from the Passover table where you presided and tied a towel around your waist to wash the feet of your disciples, your friends. You called us to have that servant’s heart. Help us to find our place to serve. Help us to be steady, “not to be weary or become discouraged in doing good” (Galatians 6:9 AMP).
I pray that God does not find me lukewarm. Great post today!
With God’s help I want to serve wherever He sees it fit.