I saw rows of metal folding chairs all lined up, but upside down. These chairs formed a sea of seats that also moved with the motion of the ocean. The waves force was created by the chairs falling like dominoes against each other. Swelling back into upright and then crashing over repeatedly. This undulating swell made me dizzy as the sunlight reflected off them and the chaotic movement disorientated me. I dared not draw close because I knew I would surely get crushed by this unrelenting chaos. What use did these seats serve? Nobody had even oriented them correctly for anyone to sit on them.
Then, someone pulled out one from the middle and set it up for use. Instantly, the wave stopped. No longer was there a fear of being overtaken by these unrelenting chairs. A peace descended as the light reflected on the now available seat.
With one seat removed and set apart, it stopped the other’s movement. There was no longer the opportunity for the preceding chair to crash into the next one, forcing it into action.
I heard God say, “Take yourself out of the fray and make yourself available.”
***
Are you in an overwhelming situation filled with chaos and clamor? Consider that the Lord is calling you out of the turmoil and into a place of peace.
It’s easy to get sucked into situations that seem out of control that society tells you that you must be involved in, or you aren’t fulfilling your personal goals or providing for your children’s needs.
Consider what God has planned for you. He is not a God of chaos and disorder. He is a God of precision and beauty. Stand up and out. Be available to His purpose for you.
This will mean that you will have to say no to other things.
You stepping out and being set apart may set the person next to you free as they witness your example. They may have needed to see your courage to live differently.
God’s plans for you aren’t taking the easy way out. They are pushing in for the greatest adventure. An adventure you would never have been able to design on your own. You can trust that He will do the equipping.
Your end of the deal is to make yourself available.
Are you folding to society’s plans?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:1-2)
We aren’t called to fold and conform to the patterns of this world, but we are told to renew our minds with the Word of God. So that we might be available to listen and obey the Lord.
Prayer for you and me: Thank You, God, for providing peace and strength in times of trouble. Prince of Peace reign in my life and help me see what I need to be set apart from. Help me say no to the good so that I might receive the best. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.