Consequences
I now have two adult children. The one thing I would always say to them during those moments when correction was necessary, that there are consequences for their actions. Good or bad, they will have to deal with it! I'm not sure if that is a concept that people have never been taught, or, just one that they choose not to embrace! As with my children, when people make mistakes often times they are not ready for the consequences whether they are good or bad! For example, I read in the paper a few days ago where a waitress received a tip over $400. It was the consequence of her willingness to consistently provide exceptional service to her customers. On the other hand, in that same paper was a story of how a young man made a split decision to fight with a gun and was awaiting sentencing looking and 2 life terms and 33 years! One decision made in their lives caused an outcome that neither of them expected.
Now I know immediately our first reaction was to think of all of the people we bless and identify with the waitress. But when faced with adverse circumstances, have you not been so angry, upset or disappointed that you did something that caused a negative outcome? Shrek, Samson and CC have all been in the latter position! Shrek is locked up looking for a way to escape. His old friend comes through and shares with him that although he has made this deal, he's learned that in every spell there is an escape clause when activated will reverse the curse! After a little origami with his contract he figures out what should be done. His focus shifts from being defeated to seeing his victory!
He makes up in his mind that he is getting out of his captivity, and nothing is going to get in his way! In one particular scene we see the witches are chasing him and shooting at him, but they keep missing! I feel my help right here, because when you make up your mind that you are pressing towards victory, the weapons will form but they won't prosper!
Well with limited mobility, all Samson could do was grind in that cell and be used for cruel sport by his enemies. Day after day, I'm sure Samson regretted his decision, but he was experiencing the consequence of his action as well! The good news is that God had put in place an escape plan for Samson as well! Although the enemy meant everything they were doing for bad, God was still working it for Samson's good!
Right here would be an awesome place to lift your hands and tell God thank you for your way of escape and your ram in the bush! So often I, CeCe, have been in situations where I was faced with the consequences of my actions! Some were good and some were horrible! But, I had to realize that some of the things I was experiencing were not just random attacks of the enemy, but me reaping some seeds that I had sown! Be careful the seeds you plant because even if you don't nurture them, some will survive and grow! What you put out will come back, what you sow you shall reap! Nevertheless, I'm glad to serve a God that no matter what situation I may find myself in, He's in it with me! No matter what you face, look for your escape plan because God is with you, even in your worst moments! Shalom