Are We 'DONE' Yet?

Determining what makes for a good cup of hot tea can be hard. Sometimes one's focus may be on the actual brand of tea itself, how it has been managed, the type of tea, and where it comes from. Sometimes it is a matter of how precisely diluted the beverage is, and what type of water to use. Sometimes it's about the additive that goes into it [milk or lemon, mint or ginger, honey or other.] How hot the water is or isn't may matter. One's personal preference matters, built upon the tea's fit within certain customs and past sentiments.

There are many factors to note, not to mention the act of 'steeping' (how long the teabag should stay within the hot water-the hot Spring water). Depending on the preference of the one about to have the tea, respectively, so goes the steeping. With personal growth, even spiritual growth, there is a place for steeping, our immersion into that which brings out our best. Who, then, determines when our 'good enough' has been arrived at? In the military, it may be the drill instructor. In medical school, it may be the chief resident overseeing the medical students and interns or perhaps the gruff senior attending doctor directing the fellows. In Kitchen Nightmares, the judge, executioner, and redeemer is Chef Gordon Ramsey.

Come. Become. Reach. Remind: "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light: for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-9)."

The corner yet turned may be a Garden of Eden, or it may be a Garden of Gethsemane.  "Hold fast to the word of life." It's God's call for when we have been primed [steeped] enough. "For the joy that lay before Him, He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and give up (Hebrews 12:2,3). God's comprehensively loving touch offers our growth with rebuke and chastening. Our response to God's prescription is to listen [for Him], relate [to Him], and for whatever occurs, engage and overcome, all to the glory of God. Reach. Stretch. Hallelujah!

It may get troubling, it may get hot but be zealous [passionately persevere] to His glory. "Seek ye the kingdom of God, (Luke 12:31).” Within and beyond the striving, awaits the glorious. Praise Him! Fight with joy! Believe big! Know 'Love never fails'. "He that hath an ear, let him hear, (Revelation 3:22)" With all Grace, bless ye Him, and bless ye His and "In all things, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18)."

PRAYER: O' thank You God most high, for every great grace and every ever-present mercy. Thank You for the friendship of the Spirit, and every friend gained along the way, as well as that stranger in my future who will mean much. Thank You for salvation which exceeds my knowledge, and for that home to come, touching my present hopes. Thank You, Jesus, for Your passion towards me, and Your precious redeeming work. Help me Lord to press on. Help me to tarry, until 'done'.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington