Sometimes we're at the beginning (no matter how small that may be), sometimes we're in the middle and on our way there, and sometimes we're right in the middle of it and we don't even realize it. Then, of course there are times when we simply don't have a clue.
And then there's Godzilla and the "worm guy"... Sometimes God takes me to Hollywood for a Bible lesson.
Dr Niko Topodopeles (a.k.a. the "worm guy") wakes up as his plane approaches for landing in Golfo De San Miguel - Panama - and on the way from the dock to the base camp tent this conversation ensues between him and the Colonel:
Worm guy: "Look, I work for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission but accidents and spills are not my field."
Colonel: "We know."
Worm guy: "Do you know you've interrupted a three year study of the Chernobyl earthworm?
Colonel: "Yeah, you're the worm guy, right?"
Worm guy: "The radioactive contamination in that area has mutated the earthworm's DNA. You know what that means?
Colonel: "No, but I've got a feeling I'm about to find out."
Worm guy: "It means that because of a man-made accident the Chernobyl earthworms are now 17% larger than they were before."
Colonel: "17%, huh? Sounds pretty big."
Worm guy: "They're enormous. That's what I'm trying to say. I'm a biologist. I take radioactive samples and I study them."
Colonel: "That's great. Here's your sample (pointing down at the muddy ground) - Study it."
Worm guy: "What sample?"
Colonel: "You're standing in it."
Worm guy: "I don't see it. Where is it? I don't see it."
**Camera slowly zooms out to an aerial shot of a gigantic footprint with Topodopeles standing right in it** ...finally it dawns on him...
In the movie Topodopeles had spent three years studying earth worms. Talk about humble beginnings; He started below ground level, but those three years were invaluable in preparing him for Godzilla. Likewise David started out a humble shepherd boy before he was anointed as king. Herding sheep sound pretty unimpressive but it prepared David for Goliath (and later being king of all Israel).
There's definitely a time and place for small beginnings. What we learn during those seasons is what makes the experience necessary, as well as worthwhile. I believe that God is always busy preparing us for greater things. We just don't see it because we don't know the end from the beginning like God does. Whatever you are going through right now, I can bet you God is busy equipping you for your destiny. You are learning and growing - even if the going seems slow. So don't lose heart. Keep your chin up, keep moving, doing whatever you can, and keep trusting God. He knows the plan and He's got you.
The beginning is not suppose to be it.The word 'beginning' is defined in the dictionary as the act or process of bringing or being brought into being; a start / a source; an origin / the first part / the initial stage of a developmental process. It clearly implies that something more must follow, and usually something greater/further developed.
For three years the 'worm guy' had been studying earthworms, and quite happily so, driving his little jeep through the bundus and singing in the rain. This was his life, he liked it and didn't see the need to change it. We've already established that those years were not a waste, but it was not his final destination either. These years were just one part of his journey. By nature we like what is familiar. It has a way of making us feel safe. We adapt, we get used to things but we should never settle. Imagine what Topodopeles would have missed out on had he rejected change and insisted on sticking with the worms? Imagine if David stayed a shepherd boy because he had bonded with the sheep fighting off the bear and lion, or if the Israelites just wandered in the desert till every single one died, or if Joseph died in prison? No, they were not destined to remain where they were. They were merely passing through, and so are we.
God is a "movin' on" kind of God. His is a journey of constantly being brought to it and then through it. He kept moving the cloud and the Israelites had to keep breaking up camp and following it. David eventually became king. Joseph's brothers eventually bowed before him, and Jesus went from being a baby, a boy, a man, to crucified, having died an rose again. The only constant is God himself, and the wise man makes sure to build his house on the Rock - Christ. (Matthew 7:24)
So don't settle where you are, looking around for anything else to steady yourself. Blessed is the man whose strength is in God, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5 NKJV) What's been might have been great, or maybe it wasn't. Either way, God always has something new He wants to show you. Keep moving.
In conclusion I realize just how crucial both contentment and patience is in this journey called life. We need to be content where we are, yet patiently reaching, growing and moving forward on our way to where we're going. We need to make plans but stay mindful that the Lord's purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21) This journey takes time. There is no drive-through destinies. So don't let impatience or passiveness tempt you to fall in the trap of thinking maybe God din't have a big plan after all. If He says so, it is so! Keep moving.
- A time and a place for everything, including small beginnings
In the movie Topodopeles had spent three years studying earth worms. Talk about humble beginnings; He started below ground level, but those three years were invaluable in preparing him for Godzilla. Likewise David started out a humble shepherd boy before he was anointed as king. Herding sheep sound pretty unimpressive but it prepared David for Goliath (and later being king of all Israel).
There's definitely a time and place for small beginnings. What we learn during those seasons is what makes the experience necessary, as well as worthwhile. I believe that God is always busy preparing us for greater things. We just don't see it because we don't know the end from the beginning like God does. Whatever you are going through right now, I can bet you God is busy equipping you for your destiny. You are learning and growing - even if the going seems slow. So don't lose heart. Keep your chin up, keep moving, doing whatever you can, and keep trusting God. He knows the plan and He's got you.
- Don't settle, don't cement yourself in the small beginning
The beginning is not suppose to be it.The word 'beginning' is defined in the dictionary as the act or process of bringing or being brought into being; a start / a source; an origin / the first part / the initial stage of a developmental process. It clearly implies that something more must follow, and usually something greater/further developed.
For three years the 'worm guy' had been studying earthworms, and quite happily so, driving his little jeep through the bundus and singing in the rain. This was his life, he liked it and didn't see the need to change it. We've already established that those years were not a waste, but it was not his final destination either. These years were just one part of his journey. By nature we like what is familiar. It has a way of making us feel safe. We adapt, we get used to things but we should never settle. Imagine what Topodopeles would have missed out on had he rejected change and insisted on sticking with the worms? Imagine if David stayed a shepherd boy because he had bonded with the sheep fighting off the bear and lion, or if the Israelites just wandered in the desert till every single one died, or if Joseph died in prison? No, they were not destined to remain where they were. They were merely passing through, and so are we.
God is a "movin' on" kind of God. His is a journey of constantly being brought to it and then through it. He kept moving the cloud and the Israelites had to keep breaking up camp and following it. David eventually became king. Joseph's brothers eventually bowed before him, and Jesus went from being a baby, a boy, a man, to crucified, having died an rose again. The only constant is God himself, and the wise man makes sure to build his house on the Rock - Christ. (Matthew 7:24)
So don't settle where you are, looking around for anything else to steady yourself. Blessed is the man whose strength is in God, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5 NKJV) What's been might have been great, or maybe it wasn't. Either way, God always has something new He wants to show you. Keep moving.
- Every now and again you need to back up just a little
In conclusion I realize just how crucial both contentment and patience is in this journey called life. We need to be content where we are, yet patiently reaching, growing and moving forward on our way to where we're going. We need to make plans but stay mindful that the Lord's purpose will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21) This journey takes time. There is no drive-through destinies. So don't let impatience or passiveness tempt you to fall in the trap of thinking maybe God din't have a big plan after all. If He says so, it is so! Keep moving.
And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come up brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn - Zion! God in full view!
(Psalm 84:5 MSG)
If you continue to advance one step at a time you will get the results you desire in the end. Stay focused, keep moving ~ Beau Henderson
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