Carrying Heaven

I want to be a simple container, a size and shape that can be used as He wills.  (I’ve noticed that simple containers seem to be the most versatile and elaborate ones tend to sit aside to just be looked at and admired.)  I have been pressed, but it has proven to have been within the design of His hands though sometimes I doubted it along the way.  I have been in the fire, but it is those times, trusting that He was sovereign and wise, that have proven to have brought strength to a once weak and fear-filled girl.  Without the fire I would still be clay, crumbling or shaped by every flood that washed in. 

As vessels we can be used for bringing cool water to the thirsty, nourishing soup to the hungry, words of hope to the weary and discouraged, and His Spirit of life to those who are dead (in any way) and dying right before our eyes.  Our message is life.  Let’s not squander the opportunity of our days here.

But to take heaven’s best, we have to first get something in us.  Today, take time to receive.  Pause to ask Him what He would give you today to give away. 

It is an awesome thing to be a vessel that can give heaven away all day long, no matter what our job is, no matter where we are.  We can do it more beautifully when we get our anger, envy, and resentment out of us.  You may not know how to get there, but be willing to ask Him for help.  Humility is an essential part of giving something that gives life and heals.   Be willing to unclutch your white-knuckled hands and let go of it.

I am quite sure that not everything I’ve experienced was by God’s plan.  There is a lot of crap in the world and an enemy whose goal is to kill, steal, and destroy.  But like Joseph discovered in his life of many delays and setbacks, I have learned that all that is offered to God can be turned upside down.  Truly, what was intended to harm us can become glorious assets. 

Gosh, I love that He can do stunning things with an old pot that desires to be His.