The unexpected journey continues: Is this insanity?

I missed last week’s post due to working and moving—more like unpacking and sorting things from the garage to their new home. The little droplets continue to fall. Over the past two-weeks we have been given eggs, fresh spices, lunches, and grocery gift cards. My production at work has been okay, but not quite enough. It has prompted me to think in broader terms as well as pursue the Word of God more. There is an old saying that was coined by Alcoholics Anonymous that defines insanity as doing the same thing while expecting different results. We have been doing the same thing—confessing the word of God, believing that He supplies all of our needs, and setting my hand to the plow (work)—and expecting different results. Are we guilty of insanity? There could certainly be a case built that we are! But I am not certain that it would hold up in the court of heaven. Here is why. Our lives on earth are temporary; a preparation for eternity—either with the godhead or without. This means that certain elements of our lives are necessary training in preparation for our eternity. In this case our case for insanity would not stand up in the court of heaven. The Old Testament is filled with countless cases of righteous men and women following God who suffered many hardships and difficulties for many years. The case could most certainly be built for Israel being in bondage for over 400-years suffering as slaves at the hand of Pharaoh after Pharaoh, except for the fact that God told Moses it would happen while they wandered in the wilderness. The New Testament book of Hebrews lists many of these men and women who suffered greatly only to have their God turn the tables in their lives. What we could learn from this is the truth that those who have surrendered their lives to live righteously are not governed by temporary—or earthly—wisdom; but rather by eternal purpose. Ironically the scripture that validates this is the same scripture that builds the case as to why the insanity definition could apply. The Bible tells us in the New Testament that once we have done everything we know to do, that we are to stand; that is to hold fast. If we are “not” doing these things, then yes, we fit the definition of insanity. Jesus told us when he told his first disciples to occupy until he comes again. This means that we are to be about the business of doing; but doing what? First and foremost it is building an intimate relationship with the godhead. It is from this relationship that you develop the ability to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit directing you in a certain direction. It is from this relationship that the ability to stand against the suffering is possible. On the other hand, without this relationship one is likely to have a head-full of religious knowledge, but be clueless as to what to do when the suffering comes—and suffering will come; it is promised. This is not the time to build a relationship because desperation leads to shallow promises and fractured emotions. Jesus tells us in one of his parables that this type of person will walk away from him; which is not the kingdom’s plan. The little droplets of blessing serve to remind us that the Father is on our side. Whatever the suffering might be, it has an eternal purpose. To be sure, this is no comfort for the moment. However it should bring some solace that one, there is a purpose, two it is for an eternal value, and three it will pass. Our plan is to stay the course, investigate additional income options while listening intently for the direction of the Holy Spirit. Is doing this fun? No and yes. Our natural intellectual part screams no! Everything we see, feel and are lacking beckon us to do something different. Our spirit on the other hand has a sense—albeit small at the moment—of excitement. It is like a little cheering section telling us to keep looking, keep waiting, and keep moving forward. There is an expectation that something good, grand even, is about to happen. The question might be, how could this be? The answer is two-fold. First the relationship with the godhead is real. Second the scriptures are filled with such stories; men and women who suffered greatly and made it through victoriously.