Heart-2-Heart
I Want to Produce . . .
J.Owensby
We can all attest to this simple phrase, I want to produce. You must fill in the back end of that phrase of course. I want to produce a spirit-filled home with healthy God-centered children. You may want to produce peace in your life or courage to stay in the fight. Whatever you yearn to produce face the fact that a bit of pain accompanies this desire.
Women who have experienced natural childbirth can attest to this statement of truth. In order to get the desired result, to produce the baby, you are required to push through the pain. Even those who have had cesarean's can agree they too must push through the pain of recovering from the wounds due to producing something so miraculous.
This reminds me of being in the heat of battle, when you feel you have nothing more to give or like running a marathon where you are so close to the finish line yet you are about to give up. Somewhere deep inside of us, we find the energy it takes to push our way through to produce the desired result. Is it easy? No. Do we feel alone? Yes. Is there struggle both internal and external? Yes.
However, we make it happen because of that voice on the inside reminding us,". . . the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong," (Ecclesiastes 9:11). If I had to finish that based upon, my own experiences I would end it by saying . . . but to the one who shows up in love, bearing, believing, hoping and enduring (I Corinthians 13:7). Jesus told the woman with the "issue" that it was her faith that made her whole,that her suffering was over, (Mark 5:34).
No matter what the issues of life bring we can still produce, even out of the pain. When the pains of life grip you by the neck this is your cue to press harder, no looking back. There is not enough time to testify over past triumphs or whine over failures, remain in the present and push. If anyone can relate to the desire you have to produce it is your Heavenly Father. After all, He produced each of us and to secure His desired results it cost Him His Son. He paid a debt He did not owe to ensure eternal fellowship with His creation.
When the pain of producing becomes overwhelming my sister, look unto the hills, that is where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). He is not only able, but willing to meet you where you are, no judging, no reminding you of your past, no saying what you should have, would have, or could have done better, just standing there with open arms, ready to show you the hope your future holds in Him.
Abiding and resting in Him births forth relief. Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light," (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT).
I wish you peace, well-being, with nothing broken and nothing missing. Again, I say, Shalom!
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