SueAnn Porter

Help, I’m choking!

If something is stuck in my throat, but I can’t talk, I might be a rocket scientist, but if I can’t speak, what good is it? I can’t share my knowledge.

With all the news from the Middle East lately, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed by everything going on. To hear about the wars and rumors of wars, the suffering of the people, the lies of the governments, the profits of the war machine–it’s overwhelming.

Then there are the personal issues: The money needed for my son’s dental bills, the stains in the hardwood floor that won’t come out no matter how many times it is sanded, the misplaced furniture, the boxes piled up, are we moving to Boston or aren’t we? the scrapes in the paint of our brand new car…..yikes!

It reminds me of this passage of scripture:

The Parable of the Sower Explained

 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:  When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.  But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.  Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” — Matt. 13: 18-23

Verse 22 especially jumps out at me. I used to read it fast, and thought that if I was consumed with attaining riches, it would choke the Word. And that’s true. But, the cares of this world also choke the Word. In fact “Mr. Strong’s” concordance says that the word for cares (G3308 merimna) means distraction.

If I’m worried about my bills, my car, whatever, I’m not concerned with the person who needs a friend to listen, or a helping hand. I’m not focused on telling people about Jesus, about the Love of God, about the price Jesus paid to save us, about being Born Again.

As our planet spins faster and more out of control, there is nothing more important than being about the Father’s business.

I need to get rid of all things that would “choke the Word” in my life.  I need a spiritual Heimlich maneuver!

 http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/09/10/daily-prompt-six/