When Life Isn’t Going the Way I Want…

When life isn’t going the way I want, I can get too focused on my needs and desires. I can lose sight of the reality that God is always working in, on, and through me—just not always in the ways I want. He’s doing the same with all of us who remain committed to walking in faith with him. God has invested himself in us, and he works tirelessly to create in us a pure heart and a healthy hunger to be productive in his kingdom. That hunger is critical, because it keeps us focused and faithful in God’s mission. It keeps us advancing into enemy territory, and it helps us to be fruitful. We need to remember that productivity is part of God’s expectation for us.

This morning we continue to work through the Gospel of Mark and find ourselves in chapter 4. Jesus begins to teach his followers in parables, and he begins with a thought-provoking discussion of seeds, soils, and what may be some shocking outcomes. It’s hard to believe that people who saw Jesus’ mighty miracles and heard teaching from his own mouth would fail to believe in him. But some did, and some still do today. We’ve all had experiences when people have access to the good news of God and his grace, but they still walk away. We’ve even all known people who have been dedicated to following Jesus and actively serving as part of his family only to have the storms of life sweep them off their feet and out of the church. Those are heartbreaking, especially when we fail in our efforts to encourage them and help them find their footing in faith again. But let’s not let Jesus’ lesson in this parable just be about other people. Let’s listen a little closer and see if he isn’t actually also talking to us.

God bless, Patrick