Devotional – Hidden Things

pub-3751615692135036

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a
great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

I was pleasantly
surprised when what was hidden came to light. I had just bought a new fridge
and two of my neighbours were assisting by taking it into the apartment. In
order to create additional space at the entrance to the living room, some
furniture had to be moved out of the way. It was then that I got my big
surprise. Hidden behind the furniture were items I had long forgotten about,
things of value that could certainly be put to good use. What were those
things? A phone charger and a key ring. How did they get there? I have no idea.

As I pondered
what had happened, I could immediately see the parallels in our lives. Often there
are hidden things in our lives that can only be revealed when we remove the
‘furniture’ aka blockages and obstacles in our way. These hidden things often
lie beneath the surface, forgotten, dormant or undiscovered. But once brought
to life they are found to be useful tools needed to fulfill our God-given
purpose.

The furniture
that needed to be moved represents those besetting sins which the Bible warns us
about, the ones that we ignore to our detriment because we cannot be bothered
to put in the required effort. However, it is imperative that we set aside
those things so that we can patiently run the race that is set before us,
taking care not to disappoint the great cloud of witnesses that is watching and
spurring us on to victory.  We need to
get rid of the things that cloud our vision and hold us back – the bad habits,
the anger, the anxieties, the doubts, the fears, the little foxes that spoil
the vine.

And what are
those hidden things in our lives? The phone charger represents the power that
we have but are unaware of because we are not connected to the Source. We, therefore, walk in darkness, ignorant of what really lies within, the power that sits
dormant, waiting to be tapped into and activated, the possibility of things
that can be.  Only with directed effort
and intentionality can we fully realize the potential within which emerges as we
open ourselves and allow the light of God shine in, illuminating the darkness
and bringing revelation and understanding. A cell phone cannot work effectively
and efficiently without first being charged up, by being plugged into the power
supply. Neither will we realize our true potential unless we plug in and
consume the Word of God, our source. We do not live by bread, but by every Word
that proceeds from the mouth of God.

It is the Father’s
good will to give us the keys to the kingdom. Keys represent authority and
power. God has given us the key of David which shuts doors that no man can open
and opens doors that no man can shut. A key is useless if it is not put to use.
God wants us to use the keys that He has given us to make a difference in this.
He desires that we walk in wisdom, knowledge, truth, and understanding. He sets
before us life and death and it is our prerogative to choose wisely. The Holy
Spirit who is the Spirit of truth lives within us and leads us into all truth.
Knowledge and application of the truth will set us free.

So what steps
are you willing to take? What are those obstacles that you must move out of the
way so that your hidden things can be brought forth and put to good use for the
Kingdom of God? Are you willing and ready to do whatever it takes? Are you
willing to ask for the help that you need?

Get moving. God
is depending on you.

Pause
to Reflect

What are the
hidden things (obstacles) that prevent you from being what God has called you
to be?

How will you
remove these obstacles from your life?

 Prayer

Father, give us
the courage and the discipline to deal with the obstacles that get in the way
of us being who you want us to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.