Gatherer and I stand beneath the bridge upon the land beneath Michael’s calf.
He holds a scroll in his hands and proceeds to open it so that I may see what is written there.
As he opens it, I recognize every word and deed as my own. Everything I do and say is recorded in exceptional detail. The vulnerability of my most private moments is suddenly clear to me and I stay silent as he continues to unravel the scroll.
There are many columns in the left and right margins and additional lines beneath each set of words and actions for notes, comments and observations.
I notice a column that has thin lines running from the my words and actions to the words ‘Overcome’, ‘Failed with refusal to try again’, ‘Failed with willingness to try again’, and ‘Overcomer with willingness to try again and do better’.
Gatherer:
“God does not send temptations but he does not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability. If you fail a temptation, it is of your own free will, for passing each of these standard tests is well within your ability.
Every trial is given a purpose so that it may not subjugate you. This purpose is the development of your character, wisdom, and competence so that you may achieve your highest calling.
The greatest of these temptations is to turn your back on love as the enemy has turned his back on love.
Indeed, the greatest temptations are to turn your back on trust when you have been betrayed, to turn your back on hope when you have been disappointed and to turn your back on faith when God has been silent.
This is why the vast majority of mankind fails to help those in need. They are disappointed once or twice and give in to the temptation of indifference. They feel that they cannot make a difference because they feel weak and powerless in the face of their failure to make a visible difference. Indeed, many give up at the mere possibility of failure.
It is this temptation, the temptation to give up that you must overcome. For in overcoming that temptation, you see the true power of God manifest through you.
For when you are weak, He is strong. With man, most tasks are impossible but with God, all things are possible.
Let Him be your strength! When you are weak, He is strong.
You must rise from your rejection, disappointment, failure and deferred hope so that God may accomplish these great works through you.
If you give up, it is recorded upon your scroll and both assignment and your talents are passed on to another. Do not give in to this temptation for He is able to do a lot more than you can imagine through you.
Overcome every temptation to give up!
For you are anointed and set apart specifically for these tasks, especially to preach the Gospel to the poor, mend the broken hearted, bring recovery of sight for the blind, set the captives free, and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor!
The temptation to turn your face from the poor and harden your heart against those in need is the greatest of all tests. If you surrender to this temptation, your gifts, resources, talents and favor will pass to those who are willing to Overcome.
No, to fail at a test is not to fail, but to surrender to the temptation to give up… That is true failure.
Do not be as a wicked and lazy servant, fearful and foolish. If you know who you are, you will know what to do! Know that you are wheat, not chaff. Know that you are sheep, not goats. Know that obedience is far better than sacrifice!
Be obedient, put the kingdom first and all that you need for your assignment shall be added unto you.
Pass your tests, Overcome the temptation to give up!
His kingdom is all!”
Me:
“Amen! His kingdom is all!”
I wake up.