I am a person who returns from a trip and immediately unpacks my bags. I not only unpack my bags, I get any clothes that need washing into the machine within the hour. This has been my pattern for so long that I don’t even think about it anymore, and yet the other day I found a correlation.
A teacher, who I respect, recently used the analogy of unpacked bags to explain a point. She used the bags to refer to sermons that we have heard, and yet in the end they stayed somewhere out of sight. Fundamentally, we may have acknowledged a noteworthiness, but did nothing. She was encouraging us to examine a teaching that brought truth forward, and not leave it behind. I know that this is a mistake that is easy to make. We get busy and engaged with our life, and instead of incorporating a valuable piece of godly instruction into our days we neglect it. Whether by choice or carelessness, the outcome remains the same.
Last night I had the privilege of listening to a woman bring a powerful message on purpose, posture, preparation, and plenty. It was clear from the beginning that she had invested time and effort in laying the groundwork for her message. Myself, and the others in the room, were very aware that she took seriously what she brought to the table.
When someone brings a powerful message forward, one where God has brought revelation that is relevant to these days, it must not be cast aside. It must be treated with reverence and consideration. We must not leave it on a shelf, but we must assimilate it into our life. It is meant to bring change through revelation, and blessings that are key to understanding our position.
When we don’t use something of value and instead keep it packed away, then it does us no good. Last night I was stirred by this message of purpose, posture, preparation, and plenty. It is a message that will take some unpacking, but I will be tenacious.
The other day I asked the question, “Does deep water frighten you?” As you recall, I was urging us not to miss out, but go as deep as the Lord calls us. We don’t want to refuse or overlook His calling. This woman of God brought us a message that we needed to hear, but equally evident was that she has spent much time in those deep waters.
Matthew 6:6 CSB But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.