Deep

When researching a topic for Bible study, I got squirreled and have no idea how I came upon an article that spoke of deep drilling known as ‘fracking.’ Intrigued. Before I knew it, I was knee deep in engineering terminology, dirt, rocks and water. This information however would soon become quite valuable.

Over the course of the last few months, even a year (or seven) my fire and passion for God has increased and after reading these articles I see God is doing Spiritual fracking in me. Industrially, it is defined (in short) as using large quantities of water under pressure to fracture rock, creating cracks, thus releasing the valuable substance of natural gas or petroleum.

With the emphasis of fracking being under pressure, I feel God has been using large quantities of His Spirit under pressure to pierce, crack and smash through my below the surface, rocky places.

God is not in the business of simply white washing over us, He is in the business of deep work. From the inside out. Paul speaks of this: “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering (God fracking) produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 Emphasis mine of course) What process, what PURPOSE!

The word Paul uses to mix with this process is fascinating. The word for suffering (other translations: tribulation, trials and problems) literally means pressure, to squeeze. Paul says pressure produces the ability to remain in and under. Liken to holding tight a bandage over a deep wound, so you don’t bleed out. Pressure applied secures and holds the process in place. It is here where grace abounds!  It is here we grow, where His Spirit is released in and through us and here character is built. Paul talks of the consistent struggle between the flesh and God’s Spirit in us and yielding and allowing full access of the Spirit in our lives, matures His qualities in us, expressed as the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:6-26).

How often do we go to any lengths to escape pressure? May we not wiggle out from under it and literally sabotage our own growth process. I may not invite all this, but I am learning to not refuse it, all that I am, all that I do. I am allowing a deep dealing, deep drilling and deep dwelling of the Spirit of God.  You?

Deep.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Please know, in my reading, I am aware of the controversy of fracking to the environment, I am only emphasizing the value of it’s method in the environment of my heart.