There is not one of us who has not gone through situations that weren’t messy and hurtful. We have wondered why the Lord has allowed this to happen to us. Somewhere we believed that bad things don’t happen to good people. This borders on the premise that once you accept Christ and become a good person, you become exempt or untouchable, and bad things can’t happen to you. We believe bad things are reserved for those who don’t do right or live godly lives. But when we find ourselves in a mess, we wonder why and what the purpose is for us to go through this. Every mess does not need to be covered up because what we go through may need to be shared with someone else going through the same thing. You may be a vessel for them that lends support and encouragement that the mess will not last forever. Hence, let’s make our mess our message.
The mess comes in the form of trash, clutter, and spills. These are all tangible messes. But, what about the mess that is our life, family, and hearts? Every mess is not one that we have made, but it could come from outside forces like dysfunctional family members, broken trust and relationships, and sometimes our choices. So, what do we do when we have a mess?
A child will clean the mess up as best he can and pray that mom and dad won’t notice. That never works, and the truth usually prevails. There are some messes you just can’t hide. However, as an adult, you tend to want to cover up your mess because sometimes the chaos could have been avoided. That’s called bad decision-making. Sometimes messes are transferred quietly and slowly, and that’s called having a motive and being delusional which results in manipulation.
The dining table in the picture above is a mess. Wouldn’t you agree? It is the culmination of everybody’s lives spilled on the table. Some of this mess does not belong to the people who live in this house. Our messes tell a story. Isn’t it interesting how your mess evolves from someone else’s mess? Do not be discouraged. Step back, posture, find the purpose, remain prayerful, and plan the clean-up.
Posture means that you may have to take a stance: return the mess to the sender or wade through it so that the mess never returns to your table.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2.
Purpose means that there is a reason why the mess is on your table. Sometimes people don’t know how to handle a mess so they dump it on your table. Maybe you have allowed people to use your table as a dumping ground, and they have a clean table while you’re carrying the burden of the mess. Perhaps your purpose is to clean it up and break free from it so the dumping doesn’t become a continuous, unwelcome repeat performance.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5.
Prayer means that in every aspect of your life, whether big or small, pray.
Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Plan means that you sit, be still, and think about how to get rid of the mess on the table. While you’re planning, make sure to think about how to not let the mess come back to the table.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9,
As you sort through the mess, refuse to take responsibility for what is not yours. Do not hide behind the piles. Strategically confront and conquer them. The great thing about our messes is that they don’t have to stay in the mess forever. We don’t have to fear or be ashamed of messes because we learn lessons. Through our mess, we become vessels that clean our tables and help others do the same. For the benefit of others, we all need to make our mess a message.
CrayDawg, Inc. ©2024
Coffee Reflections 