Don't Squander the Wander!

God has given us breath in our lungs, a beating heart in our chest, and a voice to be heard. A voice that is purposed to proclaim the majesty of our Savior. A voice that God designed to point a listener in a distinct direction. It is up to us to use the voice we’ve been given to guide listeners to the One who saves. The hope of the world.

How else might they hear? How might they understand?

If we are used by God to plant one seed in someone’s spiritual growth, intercede as God prunes a dead branch, or water with Living Waters that refresh, it is all helping bear fruit. God’s fruit. Sometimes we might even be handed a shovel, to help transplant their story into more fertile ground. For God’s glory and renown. When done right, it will all point to Jesus.

We are given the honor to walk along side, growing together with other believers. Sometimes we are called to tenderly move the soil of lies away from the hidden foundation of their lives. Other days we are found supporting vulnerably exposed roots, shaking the clinging dirt from the veins of their most entrenched ideas, holding fragile branches, supporting while God leads us to a new territory of faith.

Jesus might just ask us to walk along side and embrace fragile stems and tendrils. Nurture new growth. To listen, love, pray, and hug. God may allow us to help gingerly lay it all down in a fresh environment of love and nourishment. Bringing new life to old twigs. Oh Lord, let us be a people who are available for such things.

Walking with others can be challenging, because life is messy. Not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. Friend, can I tell you, there is a deep, sweet joy when God brings that weary soul next to you, and you link arms and walk down the same path for awhile. The beauty of empathy, encouragement, and a godly connection forged by shared experiences brings out the sweet, sweet, Spirit of God in comfort, compassion and truth.

We who think no one could possibly understand the hurts and thorns and droughts of life, suddenly find another who God says understands. They just know. And they know the One who knows all. It is a beautiful experience to walk with fellow believers through the great outdoors of life. In community with those He places in our midst. At just the right second. At just the precise location. For our healing and theirs, but most importantly for God’s glory.

We walk along that forest path, covered in acorns, pine cones, and pollen, lit by God’s perfect light streaming down from on high through the branches of our situations. Together, we walk. We move forward, a step at a time.

Acknowledging the Savior and His wonder working power. Praising the Lord for all He is doing and certainly will continue to do. In spite of ourselves. Regardless of what situations look like in the natural. While we are still waiting for answers and breakthrough. He is with us. And our voice points to His grace and mercy.