Are You THE Alice?

Seems like in our world today, we've become accustomed to immediate results, get what you want when you want it, no assembly (aka "effort") required.

How far we have wandered from our roots, both as a nation and as Christians.  When our forefathers fought for our freedom, our independence, they went in knowing it wouldn't be easy.  It cost many their lives,  It took determination, even when the opposition was bigger, badder and meaner.  But somehow, they pulled through.  Not by luck, not by power or prestige, not by ingenuity, but by determination and devotion to something bigger than themselves.

It was the same with the early church.  They didn't have power, fortune or popularity, but they, like our forefathers, had determination and devotion to Someone greater than themselves.  It was this devotion that empowered them to do amazing things - "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord (Zech. 4:6).

Yet where has that determination and devotion gone?  i am constantly amazed, even distraught, to see the lack of ambition, fortitude, determination, even effort, in so many of our students today.  Somewhere we (all of us) have dropped the ball.  We have failed to instill in them the value of responsibility, commitment, devotion and determination that, in the past, has changed the world.

We see a society where we judge our success by our circumstances; even in our relationships.  When everything is going well, life is good; God is please with me; i am in my element.  But things suddenly spiral downward when we have hurdles, obstacles, difficulties, loss or conflict.  We cry out, "God where are you?  Why do you not stop these things?  Why can't things be back to 'normal'?"

What we have forgotten is that anything worth attaining is worth fighting for.  Anything that appears easy usually isn't, or worse, has strings attached.  Most importantly perhaps, that we display our true character, our real strength, in the valleys...when we can't see more than the next step, when it seems that the opposition is overwhelming.

It is in these moments that we have to face reality.  We must break down the protective barriers that have, in all purposes, kept us from His desire for us to truly be an agent of change, an intersection between where we are and where we could be.  We must be able to travel the lonely road, where it feels like there is no one else around.  To trust His guidance and His providence even when He is silent.  To pursue His character, even when we feel so inadequate.  Only then can we truly understand, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

The journey is not easy...if it were, the world would pursue it.  The path is not always clear...for then everyone would travel it.  The cost is great...many will not be able to pay it.  But the reward is eternal; invaluable.

So the decision remains...Will we forsake it all for the One thing?  Will we value our legacy over our property?  Will we follow Him at all cost?  Or in the thoughts of Absalom (Blue Caterpillar - Alice in Wonderland)...are you THE Alice, or "not hardly Alice?"