Micah 5: 2-3
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel”
Here we hear God stating the order of breaking forth. Many of us Christians hardly love to travail. It’s too much time-consuming. One elderly lady says "God is not deaf, my dear once you pray once he has heard". Well, when tougher situations hit, the same person will have a need for consistent prayers. May we not deceive ourselves into thinking that revival comes cheap or that travailing is for certain gifts or persons or that we would have genuine converts filled with the Holy Spirit without this. God set the order Himself and no man can rearrange it.
If any try, it is to his own failure.
It is travail before birth sir! Ma, there is no fruit for that Child until you are ready to travail. If God will hold his blessings and give us up (more or less abandon our child's play of a consecration) before we bring forth, should we count this a light matter?
“Labour to bring forth…”
The woman in Labour knows no rest until she has been brought forth.
Are we used to Christian activities that we have given up on labouring in secret so we can really bring forth fruits? Are we content with our state so we do not need to press on?
Someone I met said “I do not want to be spiritual as you”, but then the issue is, it is not that “you don't want to be spiritual as me” but, you don't want to be spiritual at all because I want to be spiritual as the bible!
What do youths of this day use their strength for? What do they use it for? When will they maximise their strength if not now?
We would rather desire God's power and manifestation to come at no cost, which will cause us to abuse it.
Why should Man allow sentiments to hinder his progress? Why should he allow the tempting sounds of Satan to distract him?
Alas! The day of the Lord draws near, do all that you can do while you have the grace and strength.
When the time comes to rest, you would have nothing to say to nature for it will take the course. Nevertheless, the sky, not the grave is our goal.
What will you present to Christ?
Fruits? Or Foolishness?
May God grant us grace.
Shalom.