Tuesday, August 9, 2016

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

It’s fairly easy to assume a posture of abject negativity, especially while you are wading through a powerful stream of personal opposition, which means you are surrounded by people who just don’t ‘get’ YOU, or what you are all about.  Whenever your buttons are pushed to the max, whenever others seem to take delight in your reversals, it is awfully tempting to become a naysayer.

But keep on saying “YES!”  Be encouraged to respond affirmatively to opportunities, to others, and even to yourself.  Your positive perspective is a place of pure power since durable blessings dwell at the intersection of true faith and ongoing affirmation.  The Word declares that “all the promises of God in Him are YES, and in Him AMEN…to the glory of GOD…through US.” (II Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

In the late 1800s, an American shoe manufacturer sought to expand his market, so he sent one son to Africa and the other son to India.  He received two telegrams posthaste.  The first wire reported, “No one in Africa wears shoes – returning home immediately.” The second wire described similar conditions, but offered a radically different conclusion: “No one in India wears shoes – send lots of stock immediately.” It’s easy to guess which son eventually took control of the company.

Ask yourself: “Am I a RAINMAKER or a NAYSAYER?”  The rainmaker produces life – purposefully, habitually and continuously.  The naysayer simply reports the weather, e.g. the existence of a drought, with little hope or viable plans for improvement.  The naysayer is a thermometer; the rainmaker is a thermostat.  The naysayer is a mere commentator, while the rainmaker is a proactive change-agent.

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, tribal rainmakers were among the most celebrated members of the community.  They were honored for their ability to break deadly droughts and bring on desperately needed rains that would mean extended life for crops and animals, and prosperity for the tribe.

Legend has it that a young Indian boy asked a renowned Native American rainmaker how he knew when it was time to stop his rain dance.  The elder bent down over the boy and whispered with a smile, “The dance is over when it RAINS.  I just keep dancing until then.”

That is sound and practical advice for all.  Never stop until it rains.  In other words, PUSH!  PRAY Until Something Happens.  But while you are pushing, never forget to WASH!  WORK…And Something Happens.

Jesus Christ personified this practical Kingdom principle.  When the Jewish hierarchy questioned the timing of His miracles, Jesus’ response was clear and decisive: “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” (John 5:17, NKJV) Instead of caving to the constant complaints of critics, Jesus declared “I MUST WORK the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” (John 9:4, NKJV) PUSH, my friend!  WASH!

Jesus set forth an apt description of our responsibilities, relative to both our personal lives and Kingdom commitments.  We are proactive workers, not passive naysayers.  As people of faith, as sons and daughters of God, we are (and ever shall be) consummate and continuous RAINMAKERS.  Indeed, we are catalysts for opening up the floodgates of Heaven.  So don’t curse the darkness or the drought.  LET IT RAIN!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

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