For the last two weekends, I have been following a sermon at IBC on Jonah, the "reluctant messenger." There are still two more weekends to go, but it has been a gripping one already. Jonah, God's good prophet, is resisting God's wishes. Because God has hit a sensitive nerve with Jonah. So God deals with him, teaching him not only obedience (he is GOD after all), but also to deal with his issues. See, so often we think we're doing just fine; great even! Jonah was a prophet. He's by all traditional standards up there with the good guys. Except for this one thing. Don't ask him to do this one thing!
If I did a broad stroke evaluation of myself, I'd consider myself "just fine." I'm not hooked on any sinful behavior. I help people where I can, I volunteer my time for others, I work hard and love my family. A-OK. Really?? What about that one person I can't stand, and therefore avoid all the time. Have I considered praying for him? What about that one nagging topic I haven't discussed with my family because it irks me too much, so I'd rather just avoid it? How angry do I get when it comes up? Have I talked it out with them to hear their side of the story? Oh and have I given away those extra washer and dryer to a family in need, or am I still holding on to my "stuff"?
It's not so hard to recognize the big issues, but the small ones are often neglected and swept under the rug, because they don't really alter your every day. But like a small leak can slowly rip into a flood, so can our small "quirks" turn into an opening for larger issues to develop.
I often wonder "Why God are you allowing yet another test? Wasn't the last one - or four - enough already? Am I that bad that I need this lesson again??" But God keeps working on us. He keeps perfecting us. He leaves no stone uncovered. He will not allow for Satan to find an "in" to get you from. You've graduated from basic to advanced and the test has become more surgical. Be glad, you're actually doing great - so much so that God is working on the details. And you know the devil is in the details. But so is God. You're his work of art, and you are beautiful. So if you find yourself "tested," know that greatness is in the making. And that's you.
