“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

SWAT – SLAM… BAM… and it was over! I hadn’t even looked for the opportunity before it presented itself, though my dander had been rising at the sight wasps coming to eat the butterfly larvae. As I passed by the wall, the wasp was just sitting there. Before I could even think, and as quick as lighting, I smashed him with my bare hand. I felt like a hero!

Situations, like seasons, come and go. I often forget the problems and responsibilities that come with seasons. It had been a year since dealing with the wasp-larvae problem. Katie likes butterflies, wasps like their offspring. Now that it’s spring, the 2 naturally come together, To us, butterflies represent life, freedom and hope. Wasps… irritation, pain and death! I hate pain and death!

There’s another thing I hate almost as much as pain and death. Bullies! I hate bullies! People picking on other people, often for no logical reason at all. Being a preacher’s kid, and on the small side, I was bullied growing up. Often by adults using me to make a point, or to attack my dad. Wasps are bullies. And I learned a long time ago that the best way to deal with them… is quickly!

There’s a lady I have come to love very much. She is under Hospice care. Though her death is inevitable, it is not coming quickly. Being in constant and increasing pain naturally leads her to depression. I visit her regularly, but long before I arrive at her door, I already know what wasps I am going to have to face… and swat! So I pray, prepare and present God’s swat, in order to limit those evil stings!

Being a drummer, I had to learn to be fast! When that wasp landed on the wall in front of me, I didn’t even think. Before my hand began to move, my mind had already made the decision… ‘him or me!’ Learning how God loves His children has made me learn what HE doesn’t like. AND how HE handles those pests. GOD gives endurance and encouragement! I am simply His messenger. And what an honor it is to be so.

Are YOU an agent for God’s endurance and encouragement? Do you need some?