Use It This Instant!

An umbrella. It’s useful thing #104. At least here in Portland, Oregon.

Recently I discovered a secret about this handy little device. You can carry it in your hand, step outside into the downpour, waltz along on your way, and still be just as drenched as the next guy who doesn’t have one. How’s that, you ask? It all depends on whether you’re using it properly.

Proper use: remove the Velcro or snap wrap thing that keeps it nice and tidy when not in use. Push what might as well be the “eject” button and let ‘er explode into full extension … its usable state. Then, hold the rod perpendicular to the ground, fabric portion upright above your head, and you’re good to go. You’re protected from the wet, and your hairdo thanks you.

How can a good, quality umbrella fail you? It can’t. Problems emerge due only to user error. You could forget it at home. That’s never good. Or, you could have it with you but not be aware of “proper use” instructions (above); you fail to use it because you don’t know how to. Worst case scenario, you have it with you and you know how to use it … but you’re simply too lazy to wield it properly. You take your outdoor jaunt, umbrella in hand but not in usable form, and the rain hammers you. You get soaked and, well, you look like an idiot.

What if your faith in God is an umbrella? Do you keep forgetting it at home? Or do you take it with you but fail to use it? While the storm rages all around, are you standing there getting drenched, even with the umbrella in your hand? What’s keeping you from using it as it’s meant to be used? Fear? Doubt? Pride? What will it take for you to push the “eject” button and let your faith explode into a canopy of protection?

When the storm rages, there is no better time. Open up your faith and use it. You will not be disappointed.

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20