Enduring the Messy Middle

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you WILL bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  [emphasis mine]

Philippians 1:6 ESV

There was an interesting read today about a phenomenon called "the messy middle." According to the author, Ruth Soukup, "It’s the period in the middle of a project where the shiny newness and enthusiasm has worn off, and where the roadblocks and headaches have begun to crop up. It’s the part of the project that just doesn’t feel like very much fun, and where we struggle with feeling completely burned out. And it’s usually the part of the project where you want to quit."

Does any of that ring true for you? It did for me. What struck me was how well that also described some Christians I know, too. When you first accept Christ as your Savior, you may think everything is great and you love everyone and you want all of them to know Jesus and to feel what you're feeling. Then you hit a few bumps on the highway of life, but you shake it off and keep going. Then you have a few wilderness incidents, followed closely by several prayers and petitions that weren't answered the way you thought they should be answered. You might have lost your job, a relationship. Maybe someone died when you fully believed they would be healed. That's "usually the part of the project where you want to quit."

Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:12b-13, ...the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And again, in Mark 13:13. And in James 1, God promises the crown of life to those who endure.

Let me assure you; It's not over. As long as you are drawing breath, IT'S.NOT.OVER! This is just the messy middle; not the end. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you WILL bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Prayer:

Father,

          We have need of endurance, according to Your Word, so that when we have done Your will, we may receive what is promised. Help us, O God, to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work You have laid before us, no matter what. Keep our eyes fixed on the prize and our hearts focused on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* In the Midst

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20 NLT

John 20:19-20 NLT - Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

When He wasn't praying or seeking God's will, Jesus liked being in the midst of things. And according to our Promise for Today, Where two or three are gathered together in His Name - Whoop! There He is!

God has always been about our business because we ARE His business. We were created for the express purpose of relationship with Him. So much so that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to answer the call about relationship, He is the Mediator - on the Cross (in the middle) between life and death.

In life AND in death, Jesus shows up when we need Him. In the midst - right in the middle - no matter where we are or who we're with.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for always being there. Thank You that Your Word is true and unchanging. A solid rock on which we can stand. We want to continue to stand strong in Your Truth, surrounded by Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen