In a T-I-Z-Z-Y…

I’ve struggled with this weeks article. Several discarded first drafts lay crumpled in the corner. As soon as a feeble idea develops enough to write it down, it gets highjacked by the bad news of the day.  And then, not only am I distracted, but the importance and relevance of my thoughts get lost in the fray.

A Healthy Honey Bee Colony

The image that comes to mind is that of a healthy and productive honey bee colony.  Honey bees are social insects and live in large organized groups. Each bee, created for a specific role, is “busy” carrying out its purpose.  Instinctively and cooperatively they communicate, divide labor, construct shelter, contribute to the outside world, create honey, defend the hive and reproduce.  The bees thrive when the colony thrives.  What could go wrong? 

The Enemy on the Scene

Now picture the master disrupter coming onto the scene. The enemy, suited in protective gear, wields a baseball bat and strikes the massive hive as if it was a birthday party piñata. The structure of the colony’s existence is obliterated with one blow. Stunned confusion. Pandemonium. Chaos.  No longer a cooperative unit, the angry bees buzz around in a tizzy. 

I feel like I’m an angry bee buzzing around in a tizzy, no longer able to recognize my colony.

FED UP!

The truth is, I’m fed up!  I’m not going to explain myself because I don’t want to defend myself.  And chances are… you’re fed up too.  It’s possible your reasons fly in the face of my reasons.  But here’s the thing…our reasons don’t matter, because the master disrupter doesn’t choose sides. Instead, the power hungry demon attacks anyone who is an effective follower of Christ. Often invading unsuspecting people willing to work on his behalf, he lies, tempts, accuses, silences, deceives, condemns and destroys.  He is having a field day. How do I know? Because, I’ve been stung by other angry bees buzzing around in a tizzy.  

Too often and Too Easily

Before I point out the speck in your eye… I can’t ignore the log in my own. Too often and too easily I take his bait. And when I give him an inch, he won’t relent even after a mile. That’s what happens when I put my faith and trust in my “colony” and I focus on the chaos.  When I’m in a tizzy, he WINS.

Scripture is clear.  We shouldn’t be surprised. 

I Peter 5:8-11 (MSG). 8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Isn’t that good news? The enemy will wreck havoc, but the Lord gets the last word.  So how do we get out of our tizzy so we can enjoy the freedom that truth provides?  

Look to the King

When a honey bee colony is destroyed, the frenzied bees first locate their queen.  If she’s alive they rebuild; if she’s dead they find another queen.  

Comparatively, we have it easy. We can be sure that our King is alive and well and has never left His throne.  In fact, even if we’re unaware, He is continually working for the good.

In Genesis 1, the Lord makes it clear He is not intimidated by chaos. From the beginning of time, confusion, anarchy and turmoil are among the building blocks our Creator uses. The Lord brings order out of chaos. 

Re-claim our God given power.  

It’s easy to get discouraged. I get it. The enemy is strong and seems to be gaining ground.  His minions are no longer in sheep’s clothing. They’ve become brazen and carry baseball bats. But the way I see it, too many of us are cowering with a defeatist attitude. And others of us have become desensitized, so we go along to get along. Still others of us, blinded by fear, are following the wrong king.

I’m convicted.

Do you ever wonder if you have access to His power? According to Acts 1:8, if you’re a follower of Jesus, you already have it. The reason it may not feel like you have it, is because you don’t think you need it. 

Let’s not forget the power that is already ours. We are children of the King, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  We know how the story ends and our victory is certain.

Let’s live like it. 

John 16:33 (NIV) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

For His Glory, 

Debbie Hucke