A grapevine wreath garnishes one of walls in the home of my wife’s parents. Surrounding the circular décor are nine doves each bearing one of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I’m told that my mother-in-law purchased the decoration at a craft store.
The wreath serves as a reminder of Clare’s stalwart character. She was kindhearted even when provoked. Under difficult circumstances, she had a knack for saying just the right thing at the right time. Though always busy and in demand, she never rushed. At five feet, one inch, she managed difficult tasks that would overmatch people twice her size. Very little fazed her. Her strength of spirit was a testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit in her life.
A few weeks ago, I found a Bible that had been given to my in-laws when they were married. As I thumbed my way through the pages, I discovered several notes marked along the margins. Those scribblings bear witness to a woman who sought God’s counsel and assistance daily.
It became apparent that Clare’s godlike nature flowed from a supernatural force. She consistently coupled her heart to that of God’s Spirit. So, the very things she asked from God, she received.
Last week I watched a video of a man taking a tree stump out of the ground with nothing more than a truck tire, chain, and a long metal stake. He tied the chain around the stump, looped the chain over the tire, then attached the chain to the stake. The tire acted as a fulcrum giving the man the leverage he needed to remove the stump.
God has granted us the leverage we need to deal with life’s heavy challenges. Are you facing great adversity? Ask for peace. Do you anticipate a difficult conversation with a volatile family member? Ask for self-control. Have you been asked to do something that would compromise your allegiance to Jesus? Ask for faithfulness.
Our greatest mistake is to take upon ourselves a load we are not meant to carry alone. God has granted us an Advocate. A Helper. A Fulcrum upon whose leverage can empower us to do exceedingly more than we think is possible.
So, what do you have to lose? Put Jesus’ promise to the test. Besides, you can’t expect to receive anything if you don’t ask.