John 3:8 - Wind of change

Scripture

John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Observation

Five years ago Tim and I didn't have any friends outside of work and our family.  After praying for friends, God provided immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine.  During these last five years we have seen people come and go. Saying goodbye to people can be difficult to do. But yet God tells us that when we are born of the Spirit we will be a people on the move.

Many of the disciples left Jerusalem after Jesus died to be missionaries in other countries, as I am sure many of their followers did also. Christ Himself travelled from town to town, teaching, healing, and forgiving sins.

According to Jesus, we should expect movement. Not only from ourselves, but from others. In our flesh we don't want to move because its uncomfortable.  The dynamics of our relationships have to change when we or someone close to us moves.  Nevertheless, we would miss out on a great adventure if we didn't move. So despite our fear and discomfort, we surrender in obedience to float on the wind of the Good Spirit within.

Application

It is difficult to not be mad when things change.  We are scared and that fear generally displays itself in anger. The enemy would like to use change to cause division in the body of Christ and sometimes this tactic is effective. We might believe that holding on to hurt will make the goodbye easier.  Or maybe if we stop talking to each other, it will be like taking off the bandage in one rapid swoop and then the pain will be over.

But God say's that we should be diligent about preserving the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace (Ephesian 4:3). For me, this means I need to reach out to others even when the conversation is awkward. Or maybe just sending a few words in a text or letter just to let them know that I'm thinking about them.  Jesus loved to the very end and we...I am called to do the same.

Prayer

Father thank You for Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the adventure that being born of the Spirit provides. I wouldn't trade a single minute of it. Today I ask that You bless the sweet friends that You have given me. I could list them all out but there are so many LORD that I'm afraid I would run out of room. You know who they are though.  Please cause Your face to shine on them, help them to release any anxious thoughts to You. May they walk in peace and unity. I look forward to the glorious day when we will unite as one body before You for eternity. Until then, please keep our hearts united and the lies that would divide far from our ears. May Your lovingkindness and truth lead us all.