Get Messy

I was a single parent for about 4 years. While that in itself is a difficult task, I was a single father doing my best to raise 3 little girls. One day I decided that life was just a bit to busy, hectic and just plain messy, so I was going to give myself a break from preparing a meal for my children. I loaded up the girls in the car and we went to Subway for dinner. My older 2 girls Samantha and Sophia were 8 and 7 years old and were able to see over the counter and order their own sandwich. My youngest girl Sara was almost 4 year old and so she was in my arms and together we were trying to order a sandwich for her. The older 2 had placed their order and were standing at the cashier waiting for myself and Sara to finish our order. We were almost finished when Sara looked me in the eyes and said, “Daddy I don't feel good!” I looked at her pale face just as she barfed all down the front of my shirt. No further explanation is needed! It suddenly became a very messy situation. How often do things in our lives go exactly as we have planned? Even what was supposed to be and evening of relaxation with my girls at Subway turned out very unexpected and messy. The reality is this, you have little or no control over your life. What will happen is going to happen regardless of how well you have planned.

Psalm 23:5 ESV You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

In the midst of our enemies the trails and tribulations of our lives God is preparing a table for me. This is eating in style! Forget grabbing a sandwich at Subway. We are talking a Thanksgiving Dinner! All the fixings, the place settings, festive decorations, a table loaded with all your favorite fixings. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pies and desserts as far as your eyes can see. All this being said the Christian life is no walk in the park. In order to receive these blessings we must walk through a messy sin filled world. And if you think about it even when God is blessing you to the point your cup runneth over, a cup that is spilling over can still be a bit messy, wonderful messy, but still messy. David’s life was an unrelenting battle. In his early years, he was a shepherd, despised by his older brothers. Then, he lived as a fugitive, hunted by king Saul. When he became king, he inherited a divided kingdom, where rival tribes were filled were filled with a deep distrust for each other. How in the world did he keep going? How will you keep going in the light of the many burdens, conflicts and your messy life? 

John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. 

 As Christians our desire for a comfortable life is often overshadowed by our desire for a Godly one. We have become spiritually complacent. For the most part I live a very comfortable life. I have a warm home, my cabinets and my stomach is always full. I have more than one vehicle and a full time job. My kitchen garbage disposal eats better than many people. Many families are finding that grocery bills are increasing every day and food banks are running out of donations. The poorest Americans, while facing challenges, are still significantly wealthier than the majority of the world. Many times it takes the messy trials of life to get our attention. In the midst of our pain, God asks us to do one very important thing, Trust Him!

Proverbs 3: 5-6 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.