Be like instant coffee...

These days everyone is always in a hurry – to or from somewhere. I recently completed a survey about a fibre bar and they kept bringing up the question of convenience i.e. easy to eat on-the-go. It’s also this need for “speed” that brought about the instant coffee, microwave and so many other time-saving and “labour-avoiding” devices. Now this is not to say that I have anything against them...it’s just an opportunity for us to look and learn.

Let’s use instant coffee as our reference point here.  Instant coffee is as good as ready to drink the minute it makes contact with water – please don’t forget to add milk and sugar because I know (black) coffee is not good for you or for anyone. I don't even recommend coffee... I'm just using it to teach about people types. 

One difference between "instant coffee people" and "teabag people" is that teabag people can (& do) come out of the water (situation) if they feel it's too hot. Instant cofffee has no choice...so it stays there and changes the situation - from water to coffee.

One fact of life is that everyone will have "hot" situations at one time or the other. God knows and has promised: "When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you." (Isaiah 43:2 - Easy-to-Read Version, emphasis mine)

There is definitely no reason to "cave in" because of Jesus' words to us in John 16:33:
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (Amplified Bible)

We need to trust God - the benefits are clearly stated in Psalm 1:1-3.

Similar to Psalm 1: 1-3, Jeremiah 17:7-8 says: But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They're like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. (The Message)

God expects that we bear fruit in any and every season – irrespective of what is happening within or around us. Do you remember the story about the Carrot, Egg & Coffee (http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.com/2010/11/are-you-carrot-egg-or-coffee-bean.html)

God doesn’t expect us to judge how others (i.e. teabag, carrot or egg people) respond to their "hot situations" He just expects us be an example, a consistent one and people will be drawn to His light in us as Isaiah 60: 1-3 says: "Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Amplified, italitics mine)

"Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matt 5: 14-16; Message)

Instant coffee colours water... be God-colour everywhere you go and are. God bless.