“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NLT)
I will explain the title in a minute, but first let me tell you about my process. It started with thoughts about making some décor changes in the bathroom. After considering what I could do, I made a commitment. I knew where I would start, but still, as of the writing of this meditation, I have not fully come up with a completed plan. If I waited for the detailed plan, not only would work on this project be delayed, but there is a good chance the delay would turn into procrastination, and the procrastination could lead to a cancellation of my home improvement project. So, avoiding the latter part of the scenario, I started out, confident that the plan would unfold. Now here’s the perfect place to explain the title above, “Ninety-Nine Holes In The Wall.” I decided that painting the walls was appropriate, so of course I removed all the pictures and one large clock on the wall. I left one large clock, of course. so nobody (not “somebody,” just “anybody”)) would not stay in the bathroom too long and go against the valued principle that when you are on time you are late and when you are early, you are on time.
Back to the 99 holes. When I took down a total of 11 wall hangings, there were hidden holes from my décor efforts of one time or the other in the past. In total, I removed 11 nails, but there were 99 holes in the wall, concealed from view of all who entered, for the most part. I was reminded when I saw a drywall patch job behind one picture, just how far away I am from being considered for any apprentice handyman opening. The truth is that I realized that way back in elementary school. Ninety-nine holes in the wall! Since I have a contractor who reads these meditations, let me scream out to him, “Call me!”
Now while I could write about the things we try to cover up in life, that is not where we are heading. Somebody just said, “Thank you Jesus!” That’s good and I will let you and the Lord work those things out, the things related to covering up. Making up and straightening up are better option. Listen, please. What I want to point out is the process described above. Did you see it? I conceived the idea, considered the project in thought, thinking about it seriously. I committed to doing it. I commenced work on the projects, convinced that the plan would be fully developed. By this process I avoided procrastinating and proclaiming to others, as a cover up, “I’m still waiting to see the plan completed before I began.”
Since we have been called to salvation and deputized to do the work of disciples, dedicated followers of Christ, utilizing our gifts that are still in the development stage, we cannot wait until we know the Bible backward and forward. We can’t wait until we see how we are going to fulfill the vision of bringing people to Christ. We cannot wait until we are the best we can be, at performing some kingdom building work that the local church needs someone like us to do. We need to get to the commitment stage, and start the work. Of course, some things may need prayer first and possibly pastoral approval, but you can witness anywhere! You can shine your light anywhere! You can be the salt of the earth everywhere! You can be a prayer warrior everywhere. You don’t have to wait until you build or decorate a designated space to be your “War Room.” You see, you must go ahead, walk by faith and not by sight. The Lord will develop you! The Lord has a purpose and a plan for you! The Lord has charge of the unfolding and in the end, all will come out better! Think about my 99 holes on the wall all day long. Laugh if you so choose, but learn the process above and apply it in your life! Good morning! Have a great Friday! Be blessed!
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King