Ruby Tuesday Croutons & Snake Bites

those croutons were the bomb!

The only good thing that day was the Ruby Tuesday croutons.

I sat across from a man in the Ruby Tuesday booth as he explained, “I haven’t slept in the same bed as my wife in 3 months.” Back pain wasn’t causing the sleeping arrangement. They hadn’t spoken in weeks. 

Only a few weeks earlier, I was a hungry seminarian serving with college students. I’d lead Bible studies and done soul-work at the college life stage. I had some ministry experience.

The challenges of dating, understanding God’s will for the future, and wrestling with personal sin all seemed to trivialize as I learned of this marriage of 7+ years in tatters.

All the sudden, I was in deep water with a strong current. Telling myself “I’m a strong swimmer!” didn’t mean I wouldn’t drown. 

I got through the conversation. I’m sure the Spirit worked in spite of me and I’m sure I’d do it differently now. 

I went to my car and cried. 

What had I gotten myself into trying to disciple people with real brokenness!? 

God met me there and carried me along the way. I’m still messing up and He’s still working. 

Learn from my Ruby Tuesday Crisis and embrace the value of not rushing ahead of your growth.

In our day it seems the only qualification for doing something is “wanting to.” The only consideration for speaking on an issue is feeling like it.

We rush ahead in our zeal to do something, without considering if we are ready for the task. We move to speak before we consider if we should have a voice on the matter.

Ecclesiastes offers a loving warning of wisdom. 

¹¹ If a snake bites before it is charmed,

the charmer receives no fee.

Ecclesiastes 10:11

Can you see the snake charmer? 

No matter how nice your hat or how beautiful your flute–you still must handle the snake that comes out of the basket! 

A common mistake is to chase the hat and the flute without taking serious consideration for the dangers of the snake. 

Well dressed and dead ain’t worth much, Christian. You can’t play a flute on empty lungs. 

Are you willing to wait? Are you willing to prioritize your growth as a person ready rather than a person doing? 

Zeal will not let you wait, but wisdom requires it. Zeal and wisdom can be held in tension in prayer.

Listen to the wisdom of Jack Miller,

Maybe the best definition of the leader is the man who knows how to wait. During the waiting he learns to lead by prayer. He deepens his love for people and his hold on the throne of grace. He becomes the man in touch with God and the man who understands people.

Don’t rush ahead to grab the turban and the flute… grab hold of the throne of grace! 

Devoting yourself to a prayer ministry will make you ready for the ministries the Spirit opens for you!