RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

RAINMAKERS OR NAYSAYERS?

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

 But keep on saying “YES!”  Be encouraged to respond affirmatively to opportunities, to others, (and yes) even to yourself.  Your positive perspective becomes 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)

 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 diverse telegrams from two very different sons, posthaste.  The first wire reported, “No one in Africa wears shoes – returning home immediately.” The second wire described a similar condition yet 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 change or improvement.  The naysayer is a commentator; the rainmaker is a 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 the rain that would mean extended life for crops and animals, and growing 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.”

Actually, that elder’s perspective is sound and practical advice for all.  My friend, never stop until it rains.  In other words, we must PUSH!  PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS.  But while we are PUSHING, we must never forget to WASH!  WORK…AND SOMETHING HAPPENS.

 Jesus Christ personified those wisdom principles.  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)  Instead of caving to the chronic complaints of critics, Jesus declared “I MUST WORK the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” (John 9:4)  PUSH!  WASH!

 Jesus set forth an apt description of the believer’s responsibility regarding his/her personal life and Kingdom commitment.  We believers are proactive workers, not passive naysayers.  As people of faith, as sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we are (and ever shall be) consummate and continuous RAINMAKERS.  Indeed, you and I are earthly catalysts for opening the floodgates of Heaven.  So, LET IT RAIN!

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