In preparation for my upcoming trip I have been taking stock of the things in and around my house. When I look at the things around me I began to look at the things that have grown old, like I am, and how their usefulness has been lost or severely maimed in some ways. The thing I noticed most was a large rubber mat for the back of the ute, and the tyres on the kidlings bikes and on my old Leyland moke. Then some of the metal structures on the bikes, the wheel barrow and moke. The rubber has perished, become dry, developed cracks, one even having a split right through. The steel has developed rust marks, some things I noticed are developing some holes which are meaning I will be in need of replacing them, or throwing them away. What I found interesting was some of those things were under cover, I thought protected, yet still are perishing. Bit by bit, day by day, neglect and circumstances have taken their toll.
The following scripture has been so much on my heart and mind this week. Today some things really dawned on me...
Just as the things I looked at around me did not get in the state they are overnight. Neither do those around us when they are on the way to perishing...
2Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Perish meaning ~ To die or be destroyed by violence or privation.
Privation meaning ~ Lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life.
Knowing it is not God's desire that any should perish backs up the reason HE has granted what it will take that we should have life and that abundantly. The aspect I am most interested in today is the spiritual provision and thus well being of His people. After all it is our spiritual status upon meeting Jesus that will determine whether or not we have made the grade.
Today I want to encourage you to look around you, and maybe at where you are now and have been in times past. I believe every one that strives to live for God has as some time found themselves dry and weathered, beaten, battered and abandoned, overlooked, under used and under utilized, wore out and overwhelmed. These things in the mental, emotional and spiritual leat to the beginings of the process of 'perishing'.
That is why we have each other. To embrace, lean on, polish up, tear down, work over, pick up, wipe the tears, and apply some balm to the dry and cracking places. That includes of our spouses, children, family, neighbours, friends, fellow labourers, pastors, ministers, and the lost and dying on the streets. The anointing, the power, presence, knowledge, revelation, wisdom and understanding that comes with God. The gifts, the provisions, the blessings that come from God. The hands, feet, voice, body, and expression that are us are all a blessing to you to share with others in the fullness of whatever capacity you can.
We are so used to avoiding each other, because too often we avoid looking at ourselves, to see the signs of a process that could lead to destruction. Back sliding, break down, and the silent dying of those around has signs. If you cant see it in the natural look for it in the spiritual. You may be the difference to a renewing unto another that saves them from potentially being thrown out of God's kingdom.
Just as rust leaves a mark, and tyres show the cracks. So do blemishes and wounds in the people of God and those in the world... The littlest touch could be all it takes, a renewed covering, a little care... Unlike Cain we are our brothers keeper...
Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
I bless you in the name of Jesus
.
