Muffins and Bears!
Today is Preheated for Tomorrow’s Destiny.
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace… they wearied you, then how will you do in the swelling of Jordan?” - Jeremiah 12:5
The cat whined that irritating trill, announcing she wanted something MORE… Muffins just wasn’t the same since having kittens. I had noticed myself loathing her demanding, whiny company. She never seemed to be satisfied anymore. My affections had shifted to her charming son, “Baby Bear” with his baby doll attitude and cute little shows of friendliness. He was ADORABLE!
This story actually sets the stage for an important lesson the Holy Spirit illustrated for me… I want to first draw the connection God used and then frame the real gem in all this - at the end.
I loved Muffins. I spoiled that cat with love. But when she changed, I changed. And yet…my change toward her bothered me … a lot. You may say, “Why should it? She’s not so nice anymore.”
There is often a deeper side to a picture. I was not so nice when Jesus chose to love me. Look further back; when Adam betrayed God, God did not change toward Adam. His love burned just as hot and He promised them Jesus, and then clothed them in skins. Shouldn’t my behavior reflect God’s behavior since I am made in His image?
You may say, “But it is just a whiny cat and a small issue. Simply ignore her!”
If I cannot be faithful in my love for a cat, then how can I be faithful to love a family member who has hurt me? And where does it end? The cycle spirals out of control. Just because a person/ relationship/ pet is not making you feel good any more, does not mean you just dump them and go looking for the next emotional thrill – you will never stay in the will of God if you are led around by emotions. Do not let someone else’s behavior dictate your actions. You act and react based on love and the character of God. Let the word of God be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path – in every area.
This may seem like splitting hairs over a pet. But big things always begin small – both the good and the bad. Never ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the everyday things. This is the voice of God shepherding you to good places and preparing you for the desires of your heart – your destiny. Realize this: Often God will use the small things to prepare you for the bigger things. It is part of the boot camp for your destiny. Your obedience now may very well save your marriage or the path before your feet tomorrow. ( Jeremiah 12:5)
In conclusion, I found my obedience to the character of God opened a door for me and a view into my Father’s heart. Be encouraged by this in your own life today.
Jeremiah 12:5 “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace… they wearied you, then how will you do in the swelling of Jordan?”
Psalms 23:1, 3 “The LORD is my shepherd…He leads me in the paths…”
“Your word is a (revealing) lamp unto my feet, and a (guiding) light unto my path.”
- Psalms 119:105
Act 2:28 “You have made known to me the ways (paths) of life; You will make me full of joy with your presence.”
John 16:7, 12, 13 “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is to your advantage that I go away: for if I go not away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.”
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