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Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

~ Proverbs 14:4

 

We all tend to wish that our life was simpler, cleaner & more within our control.  I think a desire for order, efficiency & intentionality is good...as long as it is balanced by an understanding that the greater things always come with a greater cost.  If you want a clean stable then keep all of the animals out of it...but good luck plowing a field and harvesting crops without oxen.  It's important to keep an understanding of the relationship between the cost and the benefit.  

 

Getting up early = bad

Getting up early to meet a friend for Bible study & discipleship = good

 

Having less money = bad

Having less money each month because you chose to sponsor a child = good

 

Jesus being crucified = bad

Jesus being crucified & rising from the grave to save us from our sins = really, really good

 

A mess for no reason or purpose certainly needs to be cleaned up and avoided...but some of the messes that God has allowed to exist in our life may be there because they are connected to great things that He is working in and through our lives.  If that is the case, stop stressing over the mess and start celebrating the really great thing that would be impossible without it.  

 

If your life feels completely clean, comfortable and within your control then maybe you're missing out on the harvest that you could be a part of if you stepped out in faith and allowed your stable to get a little bit messy.

1 Comment

I am reminded of this verse every time I enter my stepdaughter's room. It may be frightening at times, but it is also proof that she is still under our care and an active part of our lives. Thank you, Lord, even for messy stables!

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