My Intentions

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 KJV

This verse is wonderfully familiar. Usually we focus on the first part of the verse. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” This time when I read it the section that stuck out to me was the end, “and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God knows the difference between when I think about doing something and when I intend on doing something. How many times have I said I intended to do something but I really meant I thought about doing something? The fact that it is specified in this verse, tells me my intentions are important. There is something that happens when my thoughts move from just thoughts to intentions. 

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But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-21 KJV

Just like a squirrel will not store up food for winter by accident, our treasure will not be laid up in heaven unless we purpose in our heart to do it. Jesus was telling us to be intentional with our resources. Put our time and energy into what will matter for eternity and not squander it on things that are only temporary. We so easily spend our most precious currency, time, on things that only give us momentary pleasure or peace. Like fast food, it will satisfy our immediate hunger but many times leave us starved for things of real nutritional value. Life depletes us. We pour into so many things. We pour not just time, but our finances, energy, physical health, and mental health. The problem is most of the things we pour into do not pour back into us and if they do, not the extent that we pour into them. There is one notable exception, God. When we intentionally pour ourselves out for God to use.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38 KJV

Maybe you have poured and there is nothing left to pour. Maybe you feel like you are at the end of your rope and there is no hope. Be intentional.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? Mark 5:28-31 KJV

The woman with the issue of blood had nothing left to give. She spent everything she had elsewhere. It didn’t help her but actually made it worse. The same is true for us. We may spend our time on things that we think will replenish us, but unless we are intentionally using our time for God it will make us worse. This woman decided with the little she had left she would be intentional. She didn’t need much, just to touch Him. There were a lot of people there that day. Many with needs. I am sure it was loud with all the people trying to get Jesus’s attention. When He asked, who touched me, the disciples were astounded. There were many people touching Him. He was in a crowd. Only one person touched Him with intention and only one person in that crowd received her healing. Your intention is important. Are you just one of the crowd or are you intent on touching Jesus. 

I was listening to this passage the other day and had to stop the reading. I went back and read it. The woman with the issue of blood is just a quick mention on the way to heal Jairus's daughter. The next chapter, Mark 6, had a verse that caught my attention.

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole. Mark 6:56 KJV

​Before the woman with the issue of blood you don’t see people touching Jesus and getting healed. Now you see people seeking just to touch the hem of His garment and being made whole. You never know when your intention will become your testimony and your testimony will become someone else’s healing. The only difference between her and all the others there that day was her intentions. How many people would have missed out on a healing if she hadn’t been intentional? You may have spent all you have somewhere else. You may be tired and weary. You may think it is just a little thing. But when you are intentional with God, He is intentional with you. You never know how your moment of intent will encourage someone else. Your victory might not be just your own, but may inspire the victory of others. What are your intentions?

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