Ecclesiastes 11:3-4 – “If the clouds are full, they empty out rain upon the earth.  Whether a tree falls to south or north, the tree lies wherever it falls.  ⁴ Whoever keeps watching the wind will not sow and whoever gazes at the clouds will not reap.” TLV

John 19:19-22 – “Pilate also wrote a sign and put it on the execution stake. It was written, “YESHUA HA-NATZRATI, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” ²⁰ Many Judeans read this sign, because the place where Yeshua was executed was near the city; it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. ²¹ The ruling kohanim of the Judeans were saying to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’”

²² “What I have written, I have written,” Pilate answered.” TLV

Yesterday we considered the first of three types of Christians – ‘The Wind Watcher’ and discussed the perils and problems in that type of life.  We also addressed the solution.  Today I would like to delve a little deeper into this discussion and consider additional types of Christians.

THERE IS THE CLOUD WATCHER…

This is a little different from the Wind Watcher in that this person is a born-again believer who sowed regardless of the wind.  In their zeal, they forged ahead even when the winds of adversity blew upon them.  They demonstrated faithfulness and a willingness to tackle any situation.

Then something happens.  The harvest is planted, and they have watched it grow and observe the fruitful field and fruit on the plants of life.  Then, like Peter when walking on the water, they see something that frightens them.  They see the clouds begin to form over the harvest and fear grips their hearts. 

Paul warned in Galatians 6:9, “let us not grow weary in well-doing; for in due season we will reap, if we faith not.”  Maybe it is battle fatigue and they have lost sight of the weapons of warfare provided for the believer in Ephesians 6:11. They fail to put on the whole armor of God which enables them to stand. (v.13).  They have forgotten the counsel to “be strong in the LORD, and the Power of His Might.” (v.10).

In life, we are all disappointed and let down by people.  They make mistakes, we all do.  But we must hold close to our hearts the truth of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”  We must remember that the battle is not our but the LORD’s.  What we do, we do as unto Christ and through Him. 

The Cloud Watcher is defeated at the end even though he had a good beginning.  Good beginnings have merit, but it is not the one who runs but finishes who receives the prize.  Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, “He that endures to the end shall be saved.”  But defeat is defeat whether at the beginning or the end.  However, it is even more tragic after having run well to falter with the finish line in sight. 

We are told in 2 Corinthians 9:24 this powerful truth, “Don’t you know that in a stadium the runners all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win!”

There is a passage in Jeremiah 12 that is challenging and inspirational.  “If you raced with those on foot and they wore you out, how can you compete with horses?  If you are secure in a land of peace, how will you do in Jordan’s thickets?”  If adversity hinders you, your trust is in what you see not what God has declared.  It is time to repent and return and enjoy the Provisions, Protection, and Promises of God. 

I want to take this one more step further and will do so in the next devotional.  Until then I pray that the LORD of Hosts will guard and guide you each step you take.  

Blessings be upon you!