The Thirty Percent

I have a stump in my yard. No, I had a stump in my yard. It was from a tree I had cut down when we added the addition on to the house. Because of its location we were never able to get a stump grinder in to attack. So we waited. The other day I noticed that the stump was rotten. Ants, termites, water, and the lack of life had taken its toll. I was ready to move in. I was armed with an axe, a splitting maul, and a shovel. The first hits were amazing. Debris flew everywhere from the mighty blows. I quickly filled up two tubs and a trash can with the wooden debris. Removing 70% of the stump was easy and even enjoyable. However, the 30% remaining wasn't going to give up without a fight. It seemed to laugh at every hit. It took the blow and gave one of its own. I soon decided to quit and attack another day.

Sometimes it is easy to make a decision about something by the way it looks on the outside. I know some preachers that have gone to churches and basically proclaimed its death. Time, exposure, and lack of life had taken its toll. The outside seemed lifeless. Almost like the dry bones of Ezekiel 37. However, God breathed and life entered.

I know some who are struggling with their own life. You have taken the hits and it seems that everything has been taken away. You might want to take inventory on the 30% remaining. You might want to find that strength you forgot you had. The strength the prodigal discovered as he packed his bags to go home. God breathed and life entered!

I know some who are in relationships that have lost all hope. Years of neglect have taken its toll. Life is hard to find. Look for the 30%. Strike the original match. Allow God to breathe in you - new life!

July 23, 2008