Tools of Life
A man, one time, parked his car on the side of the road and walked down a dirt trail to the river. On his return to the car he noticed that the red toolbox he kept in the back of his hatch back car was gone. He checked the pocket between the seats and the glove box, nothing there was gone, just a meter, jack and the tool box full of tools in the back.
As he was returning home he had a sick feeling in his stomach. Then he began to feel angry. It just wouldn't have done for him to know at that moment who had taken his tools. He was upset to say the least.
The very idea of someone taking his tools, after all that was one thing he couldn't stand, "a thief"!
He thought, Man, I've lost two hundred and fifty dollars at least and now I have nothing to work with. The worst part, the meter, it was a good friends, that really hurt. I guess I'll just have to buy them back. So really I guess you could say the thief had cost him five hubdred dollars, counting the meter, jack and the toolbox with all his tools.
As he continued on his journey home he knew he kept hearing a still small voice. Finally he stopped steaming and said, "Yes, I hear you Lord. I see what you're trying to say. That's exactly what Satan trys to do. He trys to steal all the tools we have to work with. Gifts like preaching, teaching, healing, shouting in the Spirit and even our every day testimony."
Picture the red toolbox as God and the tools as our gifts to use for God and His work. Satan not only trys to steal the tools but the box also.
Don't get me wrong, I know Satan can't steal God, but he can sure stand between you and God. He can take away your blessings and make you feel defeated and useless. Don't let Satan do that to you and yours. After all the Bible says, "We're more than conquerors". The victory is already ours, not when we get to Heaven, but now. We don't have to wait on it just except it. It's ours now.
So even though I say I can't stand a thief, Jesus said, We must love them. After all people like that are who He came to earth for. That's the ones that need Him most. Remember love thy neighbor, do good to them that despitefully use you and pray fo thy enemies.
You know I may have lost my tools, tools worth a very good sum of money, but through it God taught me what I consider a valuable lesson. As the Bible says, All things work to the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. So thinking of it all, I do count the cost and you know what? Praise God, I say it's worth it.
Thanks Lord, I Love You.
By Richard Talley
" 1992 "
