I’ve noticed something about popcorn. Now, I haven’t kept track over the years or recorded the results of all the buckets of popcorn I’ve eaten. I have noticed that in the bottom of every bag, bowl or bucket there are a few of those annoying un-popped kernels. There are always a few popcorn seeds that never met their potential in a world that could certainly use some good popcorn. It was a waste of a good kernel. I have thrown those seeds right in the trash and wondered what could have been. I’ve mourned the loss of a few more bites of popcorn, and don’t even get me going on the kernels left in the microwave popcorn bags. I can promise you one thing though: no matter how many kernels aren’t popped I’ve never quit eating popcorn. I don’t care really how many are wasted. You have to enjoy the ones that popped and eat them to your heart’s content. It is the same with faith.
Galatians 6:9 says, “We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.” My life has been marked by great times of seeing God do some amazing things. These are some good and joyful times. My life has also been marked by bad times. There were times that were just a waste, or just disappointed and saddened me. Life is not great every day. Some days I wonder if God is asleep or if He is even paying attention. Paul encourages us though to not become discouraged or tired when things don’t go right. The time will come when things are made right. It may not be this side of eternity, but I know if I don’t abandon my faith I will be rewarded.
I won’t quit eating popcorn because every kernel is not popped. Neither will I give up on faith because every day is not great or that bad things happen. I will remember when the popcorn is burned or cold that it is not the end. It is only that bowl. I will live remembering and being glad that each day brings a new chance to see and relate to God in a different and better way. By the way, I’m still waiting for that perfect bowl of popcorn. Not sure I will ever have it, but I guarantee you I’m going to keep looking for it until I die. I will also believe that God is with me, even when I forget it.
A question for you to not throw out with the unpopped kernels: Will you be captive to what didn’t pop, or will you be able to enjoy the good buttery, wonderful popcorn?
RED