As Ricky placed the stack of blueberry pancakes in front of Stan along with a container of syrup, he said, “I just filled this with fresh maple syrup from Vermont; enjoy!”
After thanking the Lord for His provision, Stan poured a generous portion of the maple syrup on the pancakes.
“What I just did,” Stan said, “is what I’m supposed to do throughout the rest of this day, along with every day I have remaining.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked. “I saw you pray over our breakfast and then put some syrup on your pancakes. How is that supposed to affect what you do the rest of the day?”
“I poured out the syrup,” Stan replied, “and I am to pour out what God puts in me.”
“How so?” I asked.
Responding, Stan said, “I am to pour out into the lives of each person God brings before me what God has graciously put into my life.”
Continuing, he added, “God has given me the gift of life eternally with Him when my time here is done. And I am to tell others that the same provision is available to them.”
“So they, too, may believe,” I replied.
“Exactly,” Stan exclaimed. “And I’m to help others who have come to faith to see the availability of a more mature walk with God on this side of eternity.”
“Going from being converted towards transformation?” I replied. “Is that what you’re saying?”
“That’s it, my friend,” Stan said. “I am to pour out into the lives of others what God has put in so that there will be a difference. Not only a difference in eternal destinations, but a difference in lives on this side of eternity.”
Concluding, Stan said, “It’s just like these blueberry pancakes. They wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t pour out the maple syrup Ricky put into the container. Eternal destinations and lives here won’t be any different if I don’t pour out what God has put in.”
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But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. Philippians 2:17.
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you want to fill me with all you have. Please help me in wanting to be filled. Thank you, too, that you want me to pour out into the lives of others what you have put into me. You want your living water to flow from me into others, but I confess that too often I am reluctant to be the conduit you intend. Please forgive me and please open me to be who and to do what you intend with each person you bring before me. May eternal destinations and lives be changed because I am obedient in pouring out what you have put in. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: It’s easy to be filled with self rather than with what God wants us to be filled with. With what does God want to fill you? Do you feel you are filled with that? Why or why not? What does it mean to pour out what has been put in? Are you doing that? If not, why? If you aren’t doing it and you want to do so, do you know how that can happen?
Waiting for the Train 