We dont like being in between anythingnot big trucks on the highway, not a rock and a hard place, not jobs, not a hammer and nail, and not feuding neighbors. But thats precisely where well spend much of our time, The Land of Inbetween!
While there are many highs and lows in our walk with Jesus, well actually spend most of our time somewhere in between. Its like someone you lovethere are times of absolute and sheer delight. But we spend much of our lives in partnershipnot blazing fire but a constant flame of security, hope, peace, companionship, care, concern, tenderness, and love. Those long passages through The Land of Inbetween intensify our highs and prepare us to survive through the lows.
As much as we would like to always fly like eagles or run and never faint, we will spend most of our lives walking with Jesus. We will remember those flights of spiritual ecstasy and power. We will replay those races against our enemy. But our souls will be nourished and our spirits will be fed in The Land of Inbetween.
a constant flame of security, hope, peace, companionship, care, concern, tenderness, and love.
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Unless Im mistaken, youre probably in The Land of Inbetween right this moment. Its a comfortable place. We take it for granted since it is so familiar. Thats what makes our stay here so important. We will live so much of our lives here, ingraining habits and settling into routines. But when the times of trial come, when moments of great accomplishment for Gods Kingdom are presented to us, what weve done to grow in The Land of Inbetween will determine where we come out in the end.
When in The Land of Inbetween I encourage you to follow a spiritual regimen that prepares you for the heights and valleys that will follow:
- Be obedient to the clear word of Godif you find a scriptural
principle, put it into practice.Jas 1:22
- Avoid every form of immoralityit is Spirit sapping1 Thess 4:1-8;
- Take care to guard your speech and attitude, especially about other
brothers and sisters in ChristEph 4:25-5:2;
- Do what releases the power of the Holy Spirit in your lifeEph 5:17-31; 6:17-18
- Sing
- Give thanks
- Submit to others
- Open yourself to the Word of God
- Pray
Get together with other Christians for Spiritual worship and fellowshipHeb 10:19-25.
While Id love to always be on the mountain tops with God or soaring on the wings of eagles, experience has taught me that much of my time will be spent in The Land of Inbetween. If you find yourself there with me, then why not make your time here useful so that when the times for peaks and valleys come, youre ready to live for God.