The Right Outlet

[Nate Flynn]

 

 

Are you plugged into the right outlet?

 

 

  I work in a hospital. We have two types of outlets in the walls. They are differentiated by their color; one is red, the other white. The red outlet is so colored because appliances plugged into them stay on even when the electricity goes out. There are back up generators in the hospital that provide power to those appliances plugged into the red outlets. So when a massive storm blows the electricity in the city, the generators maintain seamless power to important items such as breathing machines and intravenous pumps.

  But at first glance, you can't tell which pumps and appliances are plugged into the red outlets. When no storm has caused the lights to go out, the IV pump and breathing machine work just fine plugged into the white outlets. I've even heard the occasional person say to another, "Oh it doesn't matter what plug you use, they both work great!", not knowing the potential disastrous consequence of making such a mistake.

  When it comes to our lives as followers of Christ, we can also be plugged into two different power sources. One source is found in our successes, dreams, jobs, spouses, children, hobbies, and experiences. The other source is Creator God. He made the heavens and the earth, and everything on the earth. He is the God we find expressed to us in the pages of the Bible.

  From the outside, you cannot tell which power source I'm plugged into. Nor can I tell the one you are plugged into. When things are going well, I might be plugged into the white plug. That's where my kids bring me joy, my job is rewarding and fulfilling, my hobby fills my time, my spouse loves me and needs me, my successes keep a smile on my face, and my health is vibrant. But what happens when a storm comes and knocks the lights out? Do the lights go out in my life? Does my breathing machine stop working? Does my intravenous line stop, and my cup dries up? Or does the power source I'm plugged into continue to provide power, light in the darkness, a lamp for my feet, and warmth around me?

  There's a storm coming. Will you be safe in it? Are you plugged into the right power source? Can you say with the Psalmist, "God, you are my hiding place, you shall preserve me from trouble, you shall surround me with songs of deliverance"? (Psalm 32:7).

 

 

 

[John Becker]

Nate. I love this post. Sorry I missed it before. You have to do a broadcast message to let us all know it has been posted. What wonderful thoughts and challenge. Yes, where is our real source for life, power, joy, pleasure, fulfillment. When it is in the wrong "socket" it will all dry up quick as soon as the peace is disrupted. Thanks for the thoughtful reminder.

I look forward to talking on Sunday. Give me a call when you are ready.
John