So we've been in the midst of nine consecutive congregational worship services, starting with the incredible International Leadership Conference. Our Lead Evangelist has been stirring hearts, and breaking that crust that has form on many of our hearts with it comes to our Discipleship. For the past few weeks, I know I have felt convicted about my approach to my Discipleship to Jesus. I don't know if I can say I have allowed the grey to cloud black and white issues (relationships, advice, fellowship, alcohol/drugs, etc.) but I do know that I find myself applauding friends who have left the church because they felt hurt or didn't like how they have been left out there to fight for their faith. A strong character is forged, it just doesn't come to you in a decision.
As a culinary student, we were told over and over that wine grapes that grow in soft fertile ground with regular watering tend to be flabby and juicy. Some even say the characteristic tastes will come to you lazily, rather than up front and easily recognizable. The wines that grow in breezy, rocky, semi-arid climates, need little in bringing forth the subtle nuances that make wine great.
Like that wine, children benefit when they learn how to deal with being tired, or not getting fed immediately. It builds patience, character, most importantly it teaches them who is in charge. I know my opinion comes from one who does not have kids, at church I have seen many families with newborns to two year old allow their children's schedule and difficulty in handling them dictate their lives. A simple no, or a little delay in getting fed, or just letting them eat some dirt will never hurt them
As God's children the same is true when growing your faith. My Wife reminds me that we'll never have things easy, the struggles are in our lives to help grow our characters. I hate, but it's true. God only allows things to happen to us, in the maximum dosage our characters can handle. Really, we will never find ourselves tested more than our hearts can bare. Like that vine in the rocks, it burrows it's roots deep always searching for the nutrients it needs and bares specific amounts of fruit with deep, lush complexity that other can enjoy.
