"YOU CAN'T HOLD SAND"

Ethelda Bartlett

There is something exhilarating about ocean waves. An infinity is represented by the churning of the sea that calls to our very soul. The immeasurable expanse of sand also displays the intricate workings of the Creator. The boundaries are set by His Word, and we walk with confidence, understanding that in the Divine Plan, all things  work for the good of the other.

Once upon a time there lived a man who was no stranger to the voice of God. They were friends, and had walked many miles together. It was therefore no surprise when this man was awakened one night with this request. "Come with me! There is an object lesson nearby that I want to share with you. Tonight we will walk on the beach and you will learn a very important lesson."

As they left the city limits God continued, "Yours is a special calling and it crosses into future dispensations with types and shadows of my plan. You will need to refer to this lesson many times on your journey through life, and I want to present this to you before you enter into the dispensation of law by your works. This business of circumcision is necessary for your time, but your faith is what is most pleasing to me and in that you will excel. Arriving at the dunes the man was further instructed, "There are two things I would like you to do. First, try picking up an armful of sand.  You can’t hold it? Good!  You were never meant to. Never forget that! Now look up and be in awe at the vast beauty of the heavens. You cannot reach the stars but it is intended for you to try!  Keep exercising and stretching your faith to eternity and beyond!  Here then is tonight’s message simplified, 'Keep looking to me and let the Blessings flow'  I’ll talk to you soon."

The man walked slowly back home contemplating the experience and remembering the phrases "the stars, the sand, the blessings."

Some things never change. Our God (the God Of Abraham) is faithful. His promises are sure. Our life lessons are from the same pattern. We are part of the vibrant body of Christ. It is a circulatory system. Like the manna in the wilderness, the blessings we receive from God will not last if we hold them beyond their expiry date. A quick turn-over maintains a fresh and desirable product. It is a very basic and comprehensible rule, whatever you receive from God, pass it on! Allow the "river" to flow. Of course it will come back to you, that is the promise of God.

Abraham made a valiant attempt at walking by faith. He did not always get it right, but he kept on going. There were times when he felt he had to help God, however, God was patient with him and did not withhold his blessings or renege on His promises. Abraham experienced the normal amounts of fear and doubt in the beginning, but take a look at how that changed as his relationship with God developed. His lifestyle was intertwined with praise and worship. He wove it into the very fabric of his being. Even though he was more than successful, by the standard of the world around him, he remained humble. The key to the blessing remaining on him for a lifetime was his giving. He did not just give in the ways that would quickly come to mind. He was a total giver. He withheld nothing . He was Christ-like!

At one point Abraham asked God how he could "know" that Gods promises were true. That inquiry led to another nighttime experience. The things we are reaching for spiritually are more clearly seen in the dark times of our lives. That is when we remember to look up. Only then can God make covenant with us. Do not be afraid of the dark! You will emerge with greater understanding and stronger faith. God blessed the "Ishmael" portion of Abraham’s life, the earthy, the sand, and Abraham gave tithe of those blessings. His supreme test came in the giving back of the spiritual, or the stars represented by the "Isaac" blessings. It was God’s turn to want to know." Can I depend on you to give all, even those things close to your heart?" These are the times when we have to go back and refresh our minds. We have to know specifically what God said. If you are needing to stand on a promise it might be good to take notes when you are given one! You can mark it down that you will be examined to see if you really know what God has spoken to your heart. At this point in Abraham’s career of "faith," there was no stopping him. He climbed his mountain with confidence, and raised his hand (firmly gripping the "word"}knowing that what God had promised He was able also to perform. It is very exciting to read these words from God "now I know." He passed the test with highest honors. He had not flinched at Gods direction, but was obedient even unto death. The result was his most treasured blessing walked down the mountain with him! You never lose by giving to God.

It is a powerful thing for us to know God. It is equally important for Him to know us. We can trust and totally rely on each other. What a relationship! We reach this level in only one way. We must learn to let the Blessings flow through us, not try to selfishly personalize them. You can put sand in a bottle to hold it. Earthly blessings can be withheld from those around us. Spiritual blessings are out of our reach. Should we try to possess them, our relationship will die. Can you not hear His Words pouring from your heart, flowing through your mind? Forgive and you will be forgiven, give and you will receive, that includes the fruit of your spirit and your spiritual gifts. We are meant to bless and encourage one another. If you do not show love in every phase of your life, you are not even in the picture!

Preserving your blessings follows a simple recipe:

Obediently and humbly allow them flow through you to others just like sand through your fingers!