From The Preacherâs Heart
We had our lock in this weekend. Fifteen kids all wound up and ready to go. They had a good time and those of us who chaperoned survived. The whole event made me think of something. Sometimes blessings come with challenges. Those kids were definitely a blessing. There is no doubt about that. But for four middle aged chaperones, keeping up with them was a challenge. I will be the first to admit, I was the first one asleep. That was around midnight. There was a time when I could have hung in there with them right into the daylight hours, but not anymore. Often times the blessing in life come with a price. Take financial gain for example. We all dream of it. We all want it. When it comes however, so does the responsibility. As Christians we are called to steward that appropriately. How about physical blessings? Suppose you had major heart problems and God saw fit to deliver you from it. It would be foolish to keep on living the same lifestyle you lived previously and expect different results. You would face the challenge of adhering to the strict dietary and physical orders the doctor prescribes you. By now you are probably wondering where I am going with all this. Let me get the point. Sometimes blessings require something on our end. We live in an entitlement society that thinks things should be handed to them with little or no effort on their part. I donât believe this is part of Godâs plan. God is willing to bless us but we have to do our part. Take church growth for example. I believe God wants to grow every church in the area. The problem is no one wants to do their part described in the great commission. Churches can pray and pray for new members but until we do our part we wonât see much difference. Isnât it kind of foolish to ask God to guide our footsteps if we are not willing to move our feet? My exhortation this week is simple. Seek God, pursue His blessings, and accept the challenges that come with them with boldness and courage!
In His service,
Bro Johnathan Taylor
