AGITATORS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

How many of you are old enough to remember the brand of washer and dryer that touted its special agitator?

Can you remember who that was? Was it Kenmore? Whatever or whoever it was, the pitch was that their washer was better because it was better at agitation. Now that is about the only way I can think of where agitation could be viewed positively.

Most times when I think of agitators, pictures like the slow driver in the fast lane or the person in the check-lane who is counting out the change from the piggy bank for their purchase come to mind. For my buddy Mark, agitators come in the form of pesky critters in the back yard or someone who whistles, maybe chews ice noisily or leave drawers just slightly open.

I can’t fathom garnering much joy from agitation unless you get really excited about how clean your clothes look after a turn in the Kenmore.

Yet agitation is a joy robber. A long red light when in a hurry, a few flies showing up at the cookout are examples of those little agitations that tend to morph into much larger annoyances and suck the life out of the best of times.

The truth is we all fall victim to outward agitation from time to time. How we handle it is what makes the difference.

Therefore when our desires and needs are not being fulfilled or we are feeling inconvenienced or bothered, instead of giving ground to agitation we need to look at those circumstances from God's point of view. When we do, when we embrace GOD’s perspective, irritation, anger, and the need to place blame will be replaced by an inner quietness and confidence. When we choose God's perspective we choose peace; GOD's gift and antidote for agitation.

Jesus said,

John 14:27

…the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.

That peace makes it possible for us deal with life’s agitations, to face trials and trouble and all the while maintain “peace”!

The secret is learning to bring GOD's power into those weak moments when agitation wants access.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Trusting that we have access to GOD's power through the Holy Spirit at all times for all situations is the first step to experiencing peace; to advancing beyond our agitations!

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

So wrap yourself in the SPIRIT OF GOD’S PEACE today. Don’t fall prey to the agitations and irratants of this world or your circumstance. Instead recognize that peace and contentment are choices; choices supported and advanced by the Holy Spirit!

And then...

Romans 14:19

… try to do what makes peace…

I love you all!

Freedom Church