This morning I was reading in Luke 13 and the take-away was the long-term aspect of the Kingdom of God.
In other words, sometimes I want the kingdom of God to be like an ATM where I drive up, enter my ministry pin and out comes the affects of any ministry God has done.
In Luke 13 Jesus heals a crippled woman (she'd been doubled over for 18 YEARS). Then He gives a couple of comparisons for the kingdom of God (a mustard seed and leaven for some bread). In both examples, it takes time to see the results of the initial investment.
A couple of years ago, I was praying every day for three young couples whose marriages were on the rocks. Each of those couples eventually divorced. After a while, I stopped praying daily for them. Last week I heard from one of the wives, that God is doing a work in her ex-husband and they have decided to get counseling and may be considering reconciliation. I was excited, humbled and convicted all at the same time.
God's ways are not our ways. His timing is nothing like ours. His agenda is consistent. He came to seek and to save that which was lost.
If Jesus has given you His compassion for those around you. May I encourage you (and me as well) to offer the ministry He has called us to without falling into the trap of expectation. He will accomplish everything according to His sovereign will and when it is finally revealed, we will rejoice over the glorious things He has done.
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This morning I was reading in Luke 13 and the take-away was the long-term aspect of the Kingdom of God.
In other words, sometimes I want the kingdom of God to be like an ATM where I drive up, enter my ministry pin and out comes the affects of any ministry God has done.
In Luke 13 Jesus heals a crippled woman (she'd been doubled over for 18 YEARS). Then He gives a couple of comparisons for the kingdom of God (a mustard seed and leaven for some bread). In both examples, it takes time to see the results of the initial investment.
A couple of years ago, I was praying every day for three young couples whose marriages were on the rocks. Each of those couples eventually divorced. After a while, I stopped praying daily for them. Last week I heard from one of the wives, that God is doing a work in her ex-husband and they have decided to get counseling and may be considering reconciliation. I was excited, humbled and convicted all at the same time.
God's ways are not our ways. His timing is nothing like ours. His agenda is consistent. He came to seek and to save that which was lost.
If Jesus has given you His compassion for those around you. May I encourage you (and me as well) to offer the ministry He has called us to without falling into the trap of expectation. He will accomplish everything according to His sovereign will and when it is finally revealed, we will rejoice over the glorious things He has done.
Have a great day in Christ Jesus,
steve
Luke 13:10-30
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