June 23rd
One More
Sometimes in life it just takes "one more" of whatever. From a simple one more pack of sugar which I put in my coffee last night at a resturant, to one more huff and puff. One more...to victory.
Let me tell you the story of a bell which was being carried up one of the Burmese rivers. The small boat was upset and the large bronze bell fell over and sank to the bottom rather quickly.
The crew did their best, but wasn't enough. They were about to leave when a man approached them saying,"If I raise the bell, may I have it for my church?" The reply was "Yes, since we have to leave it - it is yours."
This man sent some of his men down to the bottom of the river with a single bamboo. They fastened it to the bell and returned to the surface. Down they went again with another bamboo, they did it again, and again fastening them to one another and to the bell.
Soon (you guessed it) the bell began to rise. Slowly at first, but them more deliberaely. The bronze bell came to the surface of the water - and had a new owner.
I think that in life this is what is needed. Not to give up, but to engage "one more time" Do just "one more thing". Each time you do that it is like the single action of the bamboo and the Spirit of God adds one more touch.
I hope you can apply this to your own life along with the scripture in 2 Cor. 4:7: "This all surpassing power is from God."
Let God lift your burden. Let God aid in a personal victory.
Allow him to be part of your life in lifting you up from maybe a desperate situation, or a failed project.
This may sound strange - because I have never done it before, but of you give me your mailing address I will send you a small piece of bamboo to display somewhere in your room. It can serve as a reminder or a visual to to call upon God to lift you.
Prayer
Lord, you are the lifter of ourself in all situations. Give this one knowledge to know what else to do in a situation. May they not give up but keep on keeping on. May their faith and their works (those inspired by you) keep their heads above the water. In the name of Jesus.
Amen