Skunks seem to be multiplying in our area. Well, at least their smell.
The thing is . . . their aroma is a reminder of how God can use anything in our life as a tool. A few years ago, I was in another state speaking at a conference. The weather turned uncommonly cold forcing a group of skunks to find shelter . . . where I slept. I was skunked twice during that weekend. Seriously!
It was a stinkin' problem.
And listen . . .
the stink is relentless . . .
regardless of what you do to get rid of it.
On the way home, people distanced themselves from me . . . at the airport coffee shop, in line to board the plane, and on the plane. The plane was filled except for the two seats by me. A young woman boarded late and had no choice but to sit by me. After I explained that I had been skunked and smelled . . . she confirmed that the stink was not a secret. Despite the stink, we connected.
She shared her story . . . pain created by division between family members, distressing circumstances, loneliness, and the need for something more in life. In the midst of the stink, she invited Christ into her life that night.
When all is said and done, God uses our stinkin' circumstances. In God's economy, nothing is wasted.Christ, God with us, dealt with stinkin circumstances. John wrote,
"AFTER THIS, Jesus went from place to place in Galilee, for He would not travel in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him." (John 7:1, Amplified)
Not everyone agreed with Jesus. Many disciples left Jesus (review John 6) and Jews sought to kill Him.
Jesus threatened the way they viewed a relationship with God . . . and the way they lived.
At first glance, it would seem that the would-be murderers had power over Jesus, limiting His travel and ministry.
Look again . . . read the story . . . every circumstance was used to accomplish the purpose of God.
"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God's purpose prevails." (Proverbs 19:21, The Message)
Stop.
Refuse to let stinkin' circumstances consume you.
Focus on the purpose of God.
Go the way God directs.
Learning with you that the purpose of God continues in the midst of the stink,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)
