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July 16, 2008
In Pastor's Words
HOLD STEADY!
Ever feel like giving up in your job, your plans, your service for God, or even your marriage? Wisdom is knowing when to make a change in life. Quitting too soon can rob us of the blessing God wants to give us and give others through us. Throwing in the towel too early could jeopardize our welfare and happiness and possibly erase forever the possibility of a remarkable achievement that will never be realized. One of God’s creatures that knows this better than any other is the weaver bird of East Africa. There are 275 different kinds of weaver birds in the world and they all weave different kinds of nests. The yellow canary-like weaver of East Africa is our personal favorite. Our family would spend hours of enjoyment at Hunter’s Lodge in Kenya, just 150 miles NW of the coastal city of Mombasa, watching the amazing weaver birds create their houses. The weaver’s houses are round, about a foot in diameter, and are entered from the bottom. Although Mr. Weaver’s work looked fine to us, it was Mrs. Weaver who had to be pleased. Houses took a long time to build, yet Mr. Weaver’s work had to pass inspection or it was a “no go!” In fact, Mr. Weaver has been known to make up to twenty nests or houses before Mrs. Weaver would approve. But, when the approval came, life was blissful, a family was started and life was good. To Mrs. Weaver, a good house was well built, safe, roomy, enduring and user-friendly.
Learn this lesson from Mr. Weaver: Hold steady! Don’t give up! Be patient! The weaver bird is one of nature’s wonderful examples of a Biblical truth which, if followed, will bring us joy in our jobs, peace with our plans, satisfaction in our service for God and blessing in our marriages and families. First, let us hold steady in our WALK WITH GOD. Hebrews 12:1 encourages, “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Second, let us hold steady in our PRAYER TO GOD. Ephesians 6:18 urges, “be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Third, let us hold steady in our HOPE IN GOD. Again, Hebrews 10:23 admonishes, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Fourth, let us hold steady in our SERVICE FOR GOD. Paul stresses in Galatians 6:9 and 10, “let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Fifth, let us hold steady in our LOVE FOR GOD. Peter emphasizes (1 Peter 1:8 and 9), “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” This is why we hold steady. So, the next time you feel like giving up, remember the tenacity of the weaver bird and hold steady! There’s great blessing on the other end of our perseverance through the trials, struggles, problems and challenges of life.
Pastor Ralph Partelow
Posted by Jennifer Herrmann at July 16, 2008 10:13 AM