When the wine runs out Week 15, 2016

No matter how zealous one is about a cause, it is common to find that after a while the zeal wanes. The wine of love in marriage also frequently runs out; just like the wine for the marriage feast was known to frequently prove insufficient. Listen to the governor of the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee "Everyone serves the best wine first, and the cheap kind when people are drunk....” Jn 2:10 (ISV).  Everyone. So it’s common. It is not stated how long it took for the wine to run out. It may take 30 years or 30 days, someday you realise you are dry. Unexpected turn of events, storms, setbacks, disappointments, and discouragements sap energy. Even boredom may pose a threat. Natural human love is insufficient for the full marriage experience. Has “I can’t do without you” turned into “What kind of a person is this?” Has “What have I got myself into?” replaced “Thank God for my angel”? Is your wine run out? What do we do now?

When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother told him, "They don't have any more wine." Jn 2:3(ISV) The first thing to do is face the fact. Face the fact that the well is dry, the sweetness is now sour; in short “We’ve got a problem in the house”. Whether in marriage or ministry, business or academics until you face the facts the solution won’t kick in. The prodigal had to face the fact before he could get help. Finally, he came to his senses and said, "My father's workers have plenty to eat, and here I am, starving to death!” Lk 15:17(CEV),  Jesus also warned the Pharisees "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains Jn 9:41(EMTV). 

Take it to Jesus. You notice the matter is carried to Him. Is Jesus in the business? Did you invite Him to the marriage? If you haven’t given Him full access to your life and business; you’ve made a mistake. Call him in. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples Jn 2:2(ESV).  Is He part of your life? He must take centre stage. Have you admitted your failure and helplessness to Him? Have you asked specifically for the need in your life? When the wine ran out it was obvious. The governor knew, so did Mary and the servants. It seems to me other guests could tell too. But until Jesus was asked to intervene specifically no solution comes.

Now this couple did not want to do what every other person in the same shoe does. The solution everyone gives may be the wrong one. "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine Jn 2:10(ESV)  .That was key to the miracle of the wedding. You may not know how the problem will be solved (this couple didn’t), but you know Jesus is there and it is what he says that you are going to do. Mary then said to the servants, "Do whatever Jesus tells you to do."  Jn 2:5(CEV).  Don’t expect water to be turned to wine in your circumstance when you want to do what every other person does. I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the LORD will tell me to say and what answer he will give to my complaint Hab 2:1(GNB).               To be continued