"Chasing the Wind" - 2

 "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 1:14 KJV)

  "God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite and the sons of Mahol - Heman, Calcol, and Darda. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in the wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon." (1 Kings 4:29-34 NLT)

 If you care to know, all the knowledge in the world doesn't do anything for your spiritual enlightenment! However, having a small understanding and relationship with God, will be enough to bring you through this life, however your condition, to the place where you belong, the hand of God! Don't doubt that is so, because it will be the absolute reality when your time to leave this earth has come, however that might happen: Here, there, or in the air! 

 Truth be told, all the knowledge of everything on this earth, is enough to make your head explode; it will surely puff your head up, making you pretend to think you might even know better what is good for you, than what God says you should do, or not do! Although it might take you into a dark and wicked place, we will always have a very short path back to the Father! 

 With all of this wisdom, he discovered that none of it satisfied the soul; none of it filled that natural desire to know the Creator! The more you know about the creation, the more you will be astounded by the One who made it all come to be! Such a simple and relaxing thought, just knowing that there is a God that has made this, holds it together, and fashioned it to be discovered, to amaze us by His creative power! 

 Isn't that what you get from all of this? If not, try to picture what chasing the wind might actually look like. Have you ever tried to do it? When you were a kid, do you remember a time when you thought you could catch the wind? I know it sounds crazy, but I think I might remember a friend of mine and me doing it the playground at school, maybe when I was in 3rd grade. 

 Guess what, the wind dies also! Everything dies! If it lives on the earth, it will one day die; nothing is alive on this earth that will not pass away. There is the "vexation of spirit," here today and gone tomorrow, longing and striving for something you can't have or obtain, on this earth anyway! So, what do we do: We Worry! 

 How long do I have? Will still be faithful in the end? Have I done enough to make the cut? All of these things are like chasing the wind, because none of these things are within our control! You might say, "Yea, but you said some things we must control!" Really? You know what you will do on your death bed? What is the cut? How much do you need to do, in order to make it? 

 I have witnessed dear saints, that feel torn and abandoned, feeling as though God has cursed them and made them suffer, just to punish them for the lack of whatever. They don't feel that they are unfaithful, but that God is the one who let them down. It is really hard to convince them differently, because they are in a really hard place; there mind is dark, and their heart is broken! 

 Will that be something that God won't forgive? You might not understand, because it isn't something you think you will do. But think of John the Baptist, who, because he was in prison and most likely to die, he doubted Jesus was the Messiah, sending his disciples to ask, "Are you the one, or are we look for another?" What was Jesus' reaction? Did He condemn John for doubting Him? No, He praised John for the things he had done! 

 Which takes us to the other issue: Have I done enough to make the cut? Did the thief on the cross do enough, having less than an hour to live after accepting Jesus as Lord? That was all that it took, to believe in his heart, and confess with his mouth! Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in Paradise!" 

 He is in control of your time here on earth! He is in control of your judgment! And He has provided you all the salvation that you need! What is there to worry about....

""But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descendant from Abraham my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, 'You are my servant.' For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."" (Isaiah 41:8-10 NLT)