IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP?…
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
Text: Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? SPREAD LOVE EVERY WHERE YOU GO. THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN BEING BLIND IS HAVING NO VISION. (Helen Keller.)
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
I have very few heroes in my book. I do have a few. ONE OF MY HEROES IS HELEN KELLER.
Helen Adams Keller was born June 27, 1880 and she died June 1, 1968. When Helen was 19 months old she came down with a sickness and lost her vision and hearing. About the age of 7 Helen’s life changed when she met a teacher named ANNE SULLIVAN. Many felt Helen was severely mentally handicapped. ANNE SULLIVAN gave her life to teach and become a lifelong friend of Helen. The first word Helen learned was WATER… as Anne pumped the water and signed the word water in her hand.
HELEN KELLER WAS THE FIRST DEAF/BLIND PERSON IN THE USA TO GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE. Helen Keller was named as one of the top 100 people of the 20th century.
Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan toured the USA and 35 countries of the world to teach and show that BLIND/DEAF PEOPLE CAN MAKE IT… Helen wrote 14 books. There is a movie I recommend about Anne and Helen named THE MIRACLE WORKER. She traveled the world giving speeches and lectures.
*Helen taught: THE BEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN THE WORLD CANNOT BE SEEN OR TOUCHED--- THEY MUST BE FELT WITH THE HEART.
*Alone we can do little; together we can do much.
*Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.
*Well done is better than well said.
*The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
**Helen once said: CHARACTER CANNOT DEVELOP IN EASE AND QUIET. ONLY THROUGH EXPERIENCE OF TRIAL AND SUFFERING CAN THE SOUL BE STRENGTHENED, VISION CLEARED, AMBITION INSPIRED AND SUCCESS ACHIEVED.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? LET ME START WITH A GREAT LESSON HIDDEN IN A STORY.
There was a very famous and rich man that worked on WALL STREET. He made great wealth in his investments. Seems everything he touched brought great returns. He had accomplished all his dreams at an early age. His job had great stress and strain. He had no time for rest and recreation in his demanding job.
One day this handsome and wealthy man was feeling bad. He seemed to grow weaker and weaker. He developed a terrible cough. The cough grew worse and worse. His friends advised him to seek medical attention. He just kept working. Soon the man that had everything started coughing up blood. One day the cough produced pieces of his lung. He was rushed to the best hospital in New York. Massive tests were ran. The young man told the doctors to spare no expense. After several weeks the doctors told him he had a terminal disease of his lungs and there was nothing they could do. They gave strict orders. He could never return to WALL STREET. They advised him to enjoy whatever time he had. One doctor suggested the sick man move out in the country where the air was fresh. The man withdrew some money and purchased many acres of land in the mountains. There was the most beautiful log cabin. The man secured his investments and moved. He really enjoyed the quiet, no stress of the farm. The man would cough and think his head was coming off. He kept a towel near. When he started coughing blood ran out his nose and mouth. The disease progressed until his coughing fits produced small pieces of his lungs going into the towel. The man was so weak. He would wake up in the morning and he would go out on the porch and enjoy nature. He would swing for hours. He knew his time was short.
One day the sick man fell asleep while laying in the swing. While he was asleep Jesus appeared before him. He told Jesus he knew his time was short. There was a huge boulder just to the right of the porch. Jesus told him I want you to push that rock starting 30 minutes a day. Then I want you to push that rock until you have worked to pushing the rock 8 hours a day. Only rest on Sunday. For several months the man pushed and pushed on the boulder. At lunch time the man looked at the rock and pondered: I WONDER HOW FAR I MOVED THE ROCK. So the man grabbed a tape measure and accurately measured where the rock was sitting. He pushed and pushed the rock day after day. Then 3 times a week he would measure how far he had pushed the rock. After two more months he realized he had not moved the rock at all. He was so disappointed.
One day he was praying and Jesus appeared before him. He was so disappointed and he told Jesus, for over a year I have pushed that rock hundreds of hours and the rock has not moved at all. Jesus replied: Sir, I never told you to move the rock. I TOLD YOU TO PUSH THE ROCK, NOT MOVE IT. Jesus told the man, go look in the mirror and tell me what you see. The man looked in the mirror and was totally amazed. His little pale, sickly, weak body was now strong and muscular. Jesus said: Where are all the bloody towels? How long has it been since you had a coughing spell? How long has it been since you coughed up portions of your lung? The man replied: I have not noticed but it has been months since I had a coughing spell. My appetite is so strong. JESUS THEN STATED: MY FRIEND, I NEVER ASKED YOU TO MOVE THE ROCK, I ASKED YOU TO JUST TO PUSH THE ROCK. BY PUSHING THE ROCK I HAVE CHANGED YOUR LIFE AND HOPE FOREVER. The man apologized to Jesus, I was faithful to push the rock and you honored me by growing and stretching my healing and I never even noticed.
WE NEED ELEVATORS TO TAKE US HIGHER. GOD HAS NOT CALLED US TO CHANGE PEOPLE, GOD HAS CALLED US TO LOVE PEOPLE… SPUR TO LOVE! COME LET US ELEVATE LOVE…
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hebrews 10:24 (NLT2) Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24 (MSG) Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out,
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
God help us to intensify, fan the flame, stir-up and provoke many to love. We need to encourage others.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Romans 12:10 (NLT2) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Romans 12:10 (NIV) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:10 (MSG) Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 11 Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master,
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? THE ONLY CERTAINTY IN THE WORLD IS UNCERTAINTY! THE MORE I MATURE IN LIFE THE MORE I PONDER: NO SADDER WORDS OF PEN OR TONGUE ARE THE WORDS WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN…
Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Mark 6:4 (MSG) Jesus told them, "A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child." 5 Jesus wasn't able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's all. 6 He couldn't get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? I HAVE NO ONE, I AM HELPLESS AND HOPELESS. I AM TRAPPED IN MY MESS… 38 YEARS? 38 YEARS OF LIVING WITH THE BLIND, HALT AND THE WITHERED. 38 YEARS…??? WHAT DO YOU WANT? ALL I HAVE IS EXCUSES… I CAN’T… 38 YEARS!
John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Let me ask you an honest question: WHAT ARE THE BAD WORDS WE SPEAK IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. THE WORSE WORDS EVER SPOKEN FROM THE LIPS OF AN INDIVIDUAL ARE THE WORDS: “I CAN’T.”
THE ELEVATOR? WE WALK BY FAITH… NOT BY SIGHT… IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? JOSEPH WAS A BRAGGART AND RUBBED HIS DREAMS IN HIS 10 BROTHERS FACE. JOSEPH’S BROTHERS WERE ENVIOUS AND HATED … THANK YOU MEAN BROTHERS… MY DREAM COULD NEVER COME TRUE IF YOU HAD NOT BEEN SO MEAN TO ME…
Genesis 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: 8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. 11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? GET ME OUT OF THIS PIT? THANK YOU JUDAH FOR SELLING ME? THANK YOU MEAN BROTHERS FOR SELLING ME INTO SLAVERY?
Genesis 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? THANK YOU POTIPHAR? GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME? THANK YOU POTIPHAR’S WIFE FOR HAVING ME ARRESTED AND PUT IN JAIL. BUT WAIT I AM INNOCENT... THANK YOU…
Genesis 39:12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.
IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? TRUST ME? IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? TWO MORE YEARS? GET REAL, SEEMS CRUEL AND MEAN TO BE ABANDONED BY GOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THE TEST OF THANKFULNESS --- IT APPEARS GOD FORGOT JOSEPH… GOD DID NOT FORGET ME… THE CUPBEARER AND THE BAKER MIGHT HAVE FORGOTTEN… BUT THANK GOD FOR THE IMPRISONMENT. GOD WAS MOVING THE CHESS PIECES INTO POSITION.
ALL I ASK IS REMEMBER ME… THANK YOU FOR FORGETTING ME IN PRISON… The baker: YOU ARE GOING TO DIE… For several years the CUPBEARER seems to have forgotten Joseph. Thank you God, you have Joseph where his dreams will come true. TWO YEARS --- 2 LONG YEARS?
CLEAN UP, BOY! IS THIS ELEVATOR GOING UP? JOSEPH IS 17 WHEN IT SEEMS HIS VISION WAS JUST HOPE… NOW JOSEPH IS 30 YEARS OLD… IT APPEARS THERE IS NO ELEVATOR FROM THE PIT TO THE PRISON,.. WAIT A MINUTE, IT TOOK 13 YEARS FOR THE ELEVATOR TO LIFT JOSEPH TO HIS DREAM.
Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
GOD IS GETTING READY TO DO SOMETHING IN EGYPT. 7 FAT COWS, 7 SKINNY COWS… 7 GOOD EARS OF CORN, 7 BAD EARS OF CORN.
Genesis 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
THE ELEVATOR HAS ARRIVED, THE LONG JOURNEY, THE DREAM FINALLY BECOMES A REALITY. JOSEPH HAD LEARNED IN THE CRUSHING THAT GRUDGES ARE POISON… JEALOUSY AND ENVY EATS AWAY THE HEART. LONELINESS IS A PLAGUE… GOD LEADS US FROM THE DREAMS TO THE PIT, TO POTIPHAR’S, TO JAIL TO THE PROVISIONS AT THE PALACE.
GOD HAS CONTROL OF OUR LIFE SITUATIONS. Often our life journey does not go the way we had planned. We scream and yell WHY? WHY? God what are you doing to me?
Genesis 45:4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. 5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
NOW ARE YOU LEARNING FAITH AND TRUST… GOD HAS NOT FORSAKEN YOU… THERE IS UNCERTAINTY ALL AROUND YOU… MANY PEOPLE LOSE SIGHT OF THE GOAL… THE ELEVATOR CAN BE SO DISAPPOINTING. DO WE RECOGNIZE GOD’S HAND IS WORKING… GOD HAS NOT FORSAKEN YOU. WE ARE PILGRIMS IN A STRANGE LAND…
STAND STILL, MOVE BY FAITH… WE ARE LEARNING ABOUT FAITH, LEARNING ABOUT TRUSTING GOD --- GOD WILL SHOW YOU… NOW LEARNING ABOUT POWER, LEARNING ABOUT THE WORD AND PRAYER… WHEN YOU GET THERE GOD WILL SHOW YOU… NOW FAITH…
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
WE CAN BE VERY SURE THAT GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME AND THE DETAILS OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. God has plans for you from your birth to the grave. GOD CAN RESTORE.
Joel 2:25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. 26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
CONCLUSION: Do we trust the elevator? When you push that button we must know we may not go directly to the promise… There may be many stops going up and down. By faith we must accept, while I don’t understand the pieces of the puzzle today. The plan is before us. Do we trust God more than the elevators?
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.
Romans 8:28 (NLT2) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
