No I didn’t make a typo. The word is “lightening;” and let me explain why. Let me share with you the image of our salvation as lightning and thunder from Marion E. Wade’s 1966 book, The Lord is My Counsel. If you’re not familiar with Marion E. Wade the person, chances are you know the company he founded: ServiceMaster, which includes TruGreen, Terminex and Merry Maids among others. Mr. Wade led his life and ran his business on God’s principles as written in the Bible (the only little black book anyone ever needs).

In the book, Mr. Wade shares his understanding of the experience of coming to Christ and ultimately arriving a fuller understanding and relationship with Him. He explains that as sinners when we realize what Christ is offering—forgiveness, grace, —and we accept Him as our Savior, it is like a lightning strike.

Lightning is powerful, illuminating, full of energy and glorious. However, it doesn’t come alone. With lightning we expect thunder. When we see a bolt of lightning streak through the sky, we wait to hear the thunder.

If we compare our moment of salvation with that lightning strike, then we begin waiting to experience the thunder. We accept Christ, then we wait … and wait … and wait for the thunder. Where is the thunder? We are the thunder. We follow Christ and until we truly follow, submit, and serve in all aspects of our life, not only is there no thunder, but we also miss out on the true “lightening” that comes with true submission to Christ.

Lightening means that while we may struggle day-to-day we can place those struggles on Our Father, Our Lord and He will give us strength to persevere and endure for His sake. If we do not know what to do, we have His Words (the Bible) to give us counsel and guidance.

What we struggle with is submitting our will and our egos to serve first God and then others. However, once we understand the full potential of living a life according to God’s rules and plans, then we experience the full power of the lightning; we become the thunder that is heard throughout the world (or by our families, businesses and communities.) and there is a lightening of our spirits.

Has lightning struck in your life? Have you been waiting to hear the thunder? It is time to make the thunder roll. Use your talents to serve God.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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