Tired of people not being who we think they should be?

Let’s take a breath.

Not everyone will hear what we say, read what we write, or act how we feel they should act.

And we mean well, don’t we? We want people to live the life they were meant to live. Trouble is, they won’t always choose to. Or maybe they’ve taken a detour.

So where does that leave us?

A farmer can plant a seed but he can’t make it grow. It’s God who provides the sun, soil, and water.

And different plants have different needs, don’t they?

I would love a blooming rosebush in my yard, but there’s too much shade. Not enough sun. It wouldn’t thrive.

That same rosebush? It may thrive in my neighbor’s yard.

Just like a rosebush, we can’t expect people to thrive when they’re standing in the dark. Too much shade and not enough Son. And we want so desperately for them to walk out of the darkness, don’t we?

So as we stand in the Son we can pray those in darkness will be drawn to the light. It may be by way of our yard or via the neighbor’s yard. Either way, the credit goes to the Lord.

We shine in unity and thrive in community. Some are called to plant seeds or cut back vines to allow light in; others are called to show those shade-wanderers how to walk in the light. After all, we’ve all been shade-wanderers at one time or another.

And you know what? Our roles can continually change. Because God knows who needs what and who He plans to send to meet that need. And you don’t need a green thumb, because if so, I’d be in big trouble.

We just need to be willing and available.

We can’t change people, only God can. But He uses people to change people.

Never lose hope:

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?…” Luke 15:8 NKJV

Turn up your lamplight.

Stay the course. We’re all on the ship but we’re not the Captain. Aren’t you glad?

We don’t need to save the world, we just need to share the Word.

It’s Jesus who came to save.

And not just our family, our friends, and our country. He came to save the world.

So don’t give up on people, k? Even when they’ve given up on us; when they say we’re too “churchy” or too “goody-goody” or too “holy-rolley” it’s not personal, even though it feels that way.

And let’s not judge, because while they’re saying we’re “too” this and that, we’re saying we’re not enough. Not good enough, not holy enough.

Insecurity is not from God. As believers, we are sanctified-set apart for a purpose.

He uses the weak to confound the strong. He uses us.

 ^“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…” 1 Corinthians 1:27 NKJV

And who do people seek when they need help? A friend who is steady and grounded.

Something is getting through.

So don’t give up on people.

God didn’t give up on us.

Keep praying. It’s worth it.

Joy and Peace to you, friend.