The Hammer & the Pipe
This morning as I started my workout I felt the Lord speak to me about a Hammer & a Pipe. I saw pictures and inquired as to what Spirit was showing me. These two things don’t seem to go together and I was somewhat perplexed, but interested in the connection. This is what I sensed He was telling me.
I like most guys have used a hammer. Heck, even most gals at some point have used a hammer. There is much you can do with a hammer. You can hang pictures, sink a nail, and even pound something in submission. Admittedly, I am more apt to pound the heck out of something to make it work. You might even say to pound a round peg into a square hole.
What He showed me was that when we started GO! in 2005, (started as World Orphan Relief) I was apt to pound away. I saw a problem and I attacked with a vengeance to provide a solution. Whether that was specific projects to serve orphans or to get after donors to come along for the ride, I was relentless. You might even go so far to describe some of my actions as reckless. Everywhere I went I was the World Orphan Relief guy. I can recall some meetings where I was overwhelming to my counterparts. I was over the top far too often. I believe in the early years of the movement I even offended as I was a zealot for the cause. The movement, the ministry, the cause, a hammer, whatever this thing was; it was about the kids. Everyone else was the means to the end –to include me with my hammer. Now don’t misunderstand me, God used us in those early years to do much good work, but my posture and focus was slightly misplaced is all.
The words in Corinthians 13 that Paul wrote in regards to love have resonated with me since the very beginnings of our movement; And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. If you read the rest of the love chapter you will notice that here is no mention of a hammer or any pounding like activities…… Patience and kindness are not associated with a hammer in any way. Go figure!
I still struggle now and then and need to resist picking up the hammer. I can see the evidence of the hammer in my life; in relationships, in this movement, in my family, and in my career. The things that come to mind are mostly destruction, control, and impatience, a lack of faith or doubt, and selfishness. I am not hearing that I should do away with the hammer, but maybe only reach for it when I need to break the glass in an emergency!
Now the pipe; I don’t necessarily think of a pipe as a tool like a hammer, but what I heard the Lord speak to me is that the pipe is used to move things. The first think that came to mind was a water pipe. In Africa, I quickly learned that water is a symbol for life. Certainly a pipe can be used to move many things, and some of these materials are not pure like water. So I suppose you need to be careful as to what the source is in regards to filling the pipe. We also don’t work with pipes as much as hammers it seems. I don’t keep any pipes laying around just in case………
In April of 2011 I ventured off to Zambia, Africa, for what would have been my 7th trip to this country since 2006. This time was a little different though; I went alone. One morning during my trip I was sitting in my room reading scripture, journaling, and praising God for all of the wonderful things that He was doing in this place now known as House of Faith Orphanage. I felt both honored and blessed that the King was somehow involving me in His story for these children. It was an incredible morning as the Holy Spirit was so present. During this time the Lord spoke this to me in regards to Global Orphan Relief; He instructed me that we are to be aMovement of Faith, a Voice of Hope, and an Act of Love. This is when and where this concept of movement was born.
So back to the Hammer and the Pipe; so God is showing me that we have made this transition. As we move forward as a movement our responsibility is that of a pipe; there is direction of flow, there is structure to keep the source together moving in the same direction, and we must originate the source. My thoughts go directly to ensure that there is ample supply for proper flow, but that is really not our responsibility is it? We can really only tell you and others where the pipe will lead, how transport will occur, and how proceed or enter into the process.
Matthew 6 is so rich with God’s goodness. It concludes with instructing us not to worry. Jesus tells us not to worry about what to drink, or what to eat, or even what to wear. We are told to seek the Kingdom first and that He will give us everything we need.
It is a lot more fun and exciting to be referred to as a “Hammer” than it is to be considered a “Pipe”, but this is where God has us. We are together a movement directing resources by faith, making an impact providing a hope for the future, and in this act of love demonstrating the Father’s heart for His kids. What a picture. All this from a hammer and a pipe!
God loves His little children and is the source of all things. He will provide the resources for these children and He will simply use us to move what is His from here to there in faith, hope, and love.
Peace, and be Blessed!