Tetelestai Today

An electrical outlet by itself will not turn on a fan. The receptacle may hold the promise of power to run the fan, but if the cord is not plugged in, the current cannot flow.

Imagine the outlet as God’s promises. The cord is our belief which connects us to the current. Sure, we can become shamelessly independent from time to time, using arrogance and aggression to empower ourselves, but in that frame of mind, we are turning the blades of the fan by spinning them with our fingers. It is neither efficient, nor productive.

Self-induced exhaustion is the result when we resist plugging in and letting the energy flow. We use our own manipulations and self-defense mechanisms, rather than just resting on the promises of a hopeful future, because of God’s goodness.

Someone from the 17^th century might call us crazy if we told him that sticking two metal prongs into a plastic box in the wall would make a lamp light up. His lack of knowledge about electricity or how it works would not prevent it from being true. It would not exclude him from experiencing the benefits of electric lights, even if he thought it seemed far-fetched or magical. The same is true for us. We have been placed on this planet by an Eternal God who exists outside of time and space. We do not understand spiritual energy any more than a person from the dark ages might understand electricity. Electrical energy has always existed, but humans living prior to the 19^th century never knew how to access or use it properly…

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the area of Babylon. Daniel 3:30

You have the ability to stand up for what you believe and for whom you believe in. This is true of your loyalty toward friends and family as well as your loyalty to God.

You do not allow others to dictate your values or coerce you into an uncomfortable position of questionable ethics.

As the three Hebrew boys risked their entire future in order to remain true to their own sense of values, you too, are sometimes called upon to stand when everyone around you bows.

The temptation to accommodate powerful people, not matter how disgraceful, may be great, but as you maintain your stance and walk through the fire, you will find there is honor and promotion waiting on the other side.

You may sometimes be alone in your convictions, but you can count on Jesus to be at your side.

When you emerge from the fiery trial, you will discover that the burning shame did not touch you, and not even a hint of humiliation remains.

The promotion that you receive after walking through the fire may come from the same source who attempted to destroy you. This is an act of God, on your behalf. It is His pleasure to see His children promoted.

God has the power to change the heart of any authority figure, and He will happily do so, in order to place good people like you in positions of power.

Zadok rebuilt the wall in front of his house. Samaiah, who protected the East Gate, rebuilt the section after that. Nehemiah 3:29

You have a persistent drive to repair and protect. Whether the source of disorder is a structure, a landscape, or a person, you recognize evidence of original design buried beneath the messy surface.

You have been given the gift of spiritual perception which sees past the damage and identifies true hidden value.

You understand that each child of God is a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. You possess a unique level of expertise in which you can clearly assess damages and identify appropriate steps to restore original beauty and brilliance, reflecting the Designer’s intent.

Many seek you out for your advice and input.  Your natural ability to accept people in their current state, and not shy away from dysfunctional behaviors, places you in a position of great influence.

Much like the experts who made repairs to the destroyed walls in Nehemiah’s day, you work to reconstruct the protective boundaries for God’s lost children who have been demolished by addiction, tragedy and poor choices.

With your relaxed demeanor and casual sense of humor, you build bridges for communication. With your commitment to stability and safety, you offer support to those who are feeling unsteady.

As you open your heart to those who are vulnerable and at risk, you are guarding the gate from the enemy intruders of lies and deception. 

You maintain secure boundaries. You dedicate your time and talents  to creating safe spaces and developing a secure sense of community.