Blessings to You and Yours!
Have you ever thought that you had blown it? Or that you'd never measure up to what was expected of you? Have you ever thought that if you were a cat that had nine lives, you are working on your twenty third! How about every time you attempt to do something, it just doesn't seem to work out for one reason or another. I know what you're thinking... you'd like to know where I'm going with this because it's not very encouraging!
I would like to let you know that you are not alone. There is not a one of us that hasn't experienced the same sort of thoughts at some point in our life, due to situations, circumstances or decisions we have made. We can't change the past. However, we can learn from it. We all are given the same opportunity to either; allow the situation/circumstance (I like to call them "opportunities") to shape us, build character in our lives, make us strong in our resolve, or just simply, take us out and render us useless. Now I'm am not implying that you are useless in any way. I am using the term "useless" as rendering one ineffective or unable to fulfill or achieve the intended purpose for your life and the world around you. Let's read what Luke has to say.
Luke 14:34-35 "Salt is good, but if it looses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away." (NLB)
The ancient Hebrews, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans just to name a few used salt in trade and religious ceremonies. Salt is also used in food preservation, in order to stop the decaying process of meat or vegetables. As we know all to well, salt is also highly regarded as flavoring. It was also used as a disinfectant. In fact the scarcity and universal need for salt has led nations to go to war over this much treasured mineral and use it to raise tax revenues.
Salt is used metaphorically in the Bible to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value and purification. Now let us keep in mind that we, you are the salt of the earth. Apply the words to yourself and what you are able to exhibit in and through your life.
We read in the Book of Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine before men that they see your moral excellence, and your praiseworthy, noble good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (AMPC)
Even Peter thought that he had blown it. Thomas also had his weak moment as well. In both cases Jesus handled them both with compassion not disappointment. If Jesus had compassion on His followers then, shall He not have compassion on us today? Remember, "He Is the Lord Who changes not!" Malachi 3:6
So, if we are called to preserve, be a light, be permanent, loyal, useful, durable, and purify to name a few, then let's. One person at a time. You are probably saying at this point: "Yes. but remember, I feel as though I have blown it!" Yes, I do remember, and here is my reply Beloved: "For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity." Proverbs 24:16 (NAS)
The difference is your heart. "If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." 1 John 3:20(NKJV)
It is nearly impossible to have once tasted the goodness of the Lord and callously turn away, to never feel the draw of His Spirit when He tugs upon our heart. Again, can I remind you that if you have read down this far, and still believe that you are useless to the Lord and His kingdom because you have missed the mark. I will say "Not so." It is not by happen stance that you are here. It is a heavenly appointment. Receive it as such with a humble heart. God is good! I will pray for you now.
Gracious Father in heaven, I thank you once again for drawing all those that are Yours unto Yourself. Holy, Holy, Holy are You Lord and merciful are Your ways towards us. When we grieve in hearts and feel as though we have abandoned our first love,YOU. You in Your infinite wisdom, love and mercy draw us again. I thank you Father, that You continue to ever pursue us, over and over again. That we may experience You and know Your joy and life flowing through us unto others for Your glory. These are Yours Lord. This day establish once again, all those who surrender their hearts unto You. As they lift their hearts and hands toward You in worship. Fill them with Your peace. Let them feel and sense Your loving-kindness and forgiveness towards them in the depths of their heart. Thank You Lord Who reigns on high. You are wondrous and You are glorious! There is none, nor will there ever be, who is likened unto You! All heaven bears witness even now at this moment how glorious You are! We praise You Father and give our lives and hearts to You this day. Complete the work You have started in us. All to Your glory. In the Mighty and Holy name of Jesus.
Many blessings to you yours His Beloved. Love in Christ!
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References for salt information taken from Wikipedia.
