You know that feeling when you’re juggling a lot of projects and progress feels slow? And then, for whatever reason, you to pause long enough to realize that progress is being made? It’s a process. It’s important to remember our lives are a process - and we need to appreciate every part of the process!
We decided (thanks Wes) that framing the store would be a good idea. While I offer little (and by little, I mean no) expertise I was willing to roll up my sleeves and put in the sweat equity to make it happen. Well, needless to say with the amount of lumber we’ve had to move, power tools and hammers involved I have sustained my fair share of blisters. I know…my non-manual labor hands were put to work…
Blisters create discomfort. Blisters hurt. In severe circumstances, blisters can become debilitating. Often caused from friction or repetitive motion, I realized my recent activity involved both. And it didn’t take long for the blisters to form. Through the healing process my skin has firmed up. What was extremely uncomfortable a few weeks ago is a lot more tolerable now.
It hit me this week that our faith is similar to the blistering process. We have to be willing to create friction with our comfortable lives, surrender to His will and become repetitive in the disciplines of time in the Word, prayer, and serving others. If it’s outside of our regular routine, it will blister in the beginning. But the more consistent we are, the firmer our faith becomes.
Jimmy Needham has a song called
Clear the Stage. The song emphasizes the removal of things in our lives that distract us from what God has called us to.
Lyrics in the song include,
Take a break from all the plans that you have made
And sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper.
Beg him please to open up his mouth and speak
And pray for real upon your knees until they blister.
And pray
for real - intentionality!
Unless we pursue, experience and endure the blisters, we will never fully appreciate the blessing. It takes work. It takes effort beyond the regular routine - to blister for something more.
