The Push Precedes the Promise

I saw this and absolutely HAD to share it! Sometimes we're on the verge of a breakthrough, and all we need is a PUSH.

Even Eagles Need a Push Movie | Even Eagles Need a Push

Where Are Your Stretch Marks?

Yes, I had the nerve to bring up stretch marks!... But not the ones you think. I'd like to engage you into a little deeper thought. In case you didn't know, I usually find spiritual analogy in just about anything :)

Question(s): When was the last time that you truly went out of your way to help someone else?You know - got out of your comfort zone, threw convenience to the wind, and really went the EXTRA mile, no matter how exasperating the process was. When was the last time you didn't pause to psychoanalyze or critically judge another person's outer package and just delved into your compassion, followed the Holy Spirit's lead, and produced what, to the that person, seemed like a miracle, but to you was just a mere unconditional act of human kindness?

Personally, I've been on both sides of this proverbial coin - as the stretcher and as the reacher (if you will). Neither position feels good at first. When my lifestyle conditions were up, I have to admit I wasn't always as conscientious about other peoples' plights as I should have been. As the reacher, I often lamented about the times that I wasn't as sensitive as I should have been. Why? Obviously, it's easier to relate when you can feel the pain. That's a shame. But I thank God for my time as a reacher (and the pain) because now I realize that God loves stretch marks! It means that our minds are not focused on what it costs us to give, but what we gain by giving. It means we not only trust Him for the return, but also for the means to meet the need, even if we don't quite know how it's all going to play out. He loves to see us trust him enough to shove our egos and pride aside and actually do the work of the kingdom. At the center of God's daily agenda is people. It always will be. And if we are going to conform to the image of His Son Jesus, the needs of others is going to have to become paramount to us too.

I believe that if the world is confused and can't distinguish us from themselves, it's probably because they don't clearly see our identification badges - STRETCH MARKS. Jesus said it like this:

"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other" ~ John 13:35 (MSG)

Let's take a lesson from The Good Samaritan (Luke ch. 10) and purposefully, habitually stretch ourselves. Those who are reaching are reaching for Jesus. Will they find Him in you?

Roll Away the Stone

I'm always amazed at the tapestry of humanity. Each of us enters this world specifically blueprinted with the solution to someone else's problem. The trick is to get us to realize it. And that's really not hard to do. Just open your eyes.

To illustrate this point, I'd like to put a spin on a familiar bible story. Remember when Jesus arrived at the tomb of his good friend, Lazarus, amidst a throng of mourners and wailers?

John 11:38-39

³⁸Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ³⁹"Take away the stone," he said.

Isn't it interesting that with all the power He was just about to display, Jesus told someone else to roll away the stone for Lazarus? I think that this points to the possibility that God fully intends for us, in some way, to be an active agent in one another's miracles. He doesn't expect us to do what only He can do, but He does expect us to desire a stake in the outcome.

How often do we cheat one another out of a possible breakthrough just because we're focused more on what we can't do than what we can do? Better yet, who is it that may be holding the key to your turnaround, and instead of just trusting God with what they have to offer, they remain content on the outskirts of your situation?

Thank God for those who take the blind leap into obedience and trust. They are the ones who have the awesome honor of taking part in the greatest miracles! I challenge you today to take a fresh look at the people you're connected with right now and do an inventory of the needs they have. Don't just pray for them; seek an answer. Then take the next step and ask God what He wants you to do to roll away their stone. Don't worry. He'll never ask you to roll a stone that is stronger than you are. You'll be surprised at what you suddenly become aware of that's already at your disposal. Sometimes what we consider trivial or inadequate is just the thing someone else may need at that time.

John 11: 41-44

⁴¹So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. ⁴²I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

⁴³When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" ⁴⁴The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."