My daughter loves a good challenge. She excels at anything physical. She was born to be an athlete. As she has grown, her adventures in t-ball and kiddie soccer have evolved into more serious sports. And this family takes sports seriously.
Our young athlete has recently taken an interest in track. She is a good sprinter, but also loves the challenge of long distance running. Her father has taken measures to help her in whatever way he can. She has learned the techniques of breathing, attended several clinics, and purchased the all important running shoes.
The shoes alone testify that we take the sport seriously. (Might I add we made a special trip to a specialty store to find them.) While many participants will arrive at the track meet in their normal tennis shoes, our daughter will be wearing special running shoes. The benefits are clear. Her new cleats will allow her feet to grip the pavement and give her an extra advantage. Less chance of slipping, more force behind every stride, and obviously, the needed extra to be at her best. Right?
While I am not entirely convinced of the necessity of her running shoes, I couldn't help draw a spiritual correlation between her preparations and my own. You see, I am also running a race. I have dabbled in the sport for a while now. My parents ran this race and introduced it to me at a very young age. More recently, as I matured a bit, my commitment evolved and I began in earnest to train. Like the apostle Paul, I am determined to make the finish line.
After purchasing special shoes for my daughter, I found myself wondering if I have access to spiritual running shoes. What can I 'lace up' that would help me grip the pavement and keep me from sliding from the track? What spiritual actions (or disciplines) might result in more power in every stride and ensure I endure 'til the very end?
Not every runner running this race will have taken measures to ensure they are at their very best. Many might not be willing to make the sacrifice. You see, running shoes can be a little costly. Despite the sacrifice involved, I am determined to take any means available to ensure I run my best. What measures have you taken to make sure you are running the best race possible?
Get out your running shoes and break them in!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Dirty Dishes
I had really looked forward to serving. I was scheduled to waitress at a local seafood restaurant with several volunteers. All of our tips and 10% of the day’s sales would benefit a local women’s shelter directed by a dear friend. We had spread the word far and wide and were expecting large numbers of people to show in support. I couldn’t wait to interact with everyone. Despite the challenge, I envisioned a day of fun and reward.
Unfortunately, things didn’t proceed as I expected. Before the first customers ever arrived, the owner of the restaurant, a big burly fellow, happened upon me leaning against a bar stool. “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!” he proclaimed. His observation resulted in my being led to the kitchen to do dishes.
What I found waiting in the kitchen wasn’t just one small sink. The kitchen had several sinks piled high with greasy pots and pans. In addition, bowls with discarded shrimp pieces, alligator, and chicken fat needed cleaned as well. This was not at all what I had envisioned. No happy customers. No tips to contribute to the cause; just a lot of dirty dishes and a wire scrub pad.
This wasn’t the first time my idea of ministry and God’s ideas for me differed. He had altered my plans many times before. During those times, I become fully aware that His thoughts are not my own. What I have learned is that He presents me with a simple choice- “Listen and obey” or “Go your own way”.
I could have graciously refused to help with the dishes. Surely they would have to understand. First, it was not what I had agreed to do that day. Furthermore, I was not really dressed in clothes for scrubbing grease. If I simply refused, I could return to the waitress station and start collecting tips. As I stared at the pile of pans, the two cooks watched to witness my reaction.
The seconds felt like minutes. I felt the Lord prompt my spirit first with verses from Colossians and a second from Philippians.
Colossians 3: 17, 14
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father…
Philippians 2: 14-15
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars…
This day, I chose to listen and obey, and I turned with a smile to take the scrub brush.
What a surprise to discover what had presented as a pile of dirty dishes turned out to be one of the most rewarding days in ministry I have ever had. Not only did I get to scrub countless items clean, I was able to labor beside two faithful men who touched my heart. After witnessing my willingness, the two male cooks had me help by flaying shrimp, frying onion rings and chicken tenders, and preparing plates. Being a witness for Christ had never been so fun. On that day, in the kitchen was where God had needed me most.
Where is God calling you to serve today? Is it all you dreamed it would be or is looking more like a pile of dirty dishes. Whichever the case, do not hesitate. Jump on in with a smile. God leads you to the area He needs you most, and the place God needs you the most is the only place you want to be.
Unfortunately, things didn’t proceed as I expected. Before the first customers ever arrived, the owner of the restaurant, a big burly fellow, happened upon me leaning against a bar stool. “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!” he proclaimed. His observation resulted in my being led to the kitchen to do dishes.
What I found waiting in the kitchen wasn’t just one small sink. The kitchen had several sinks piled high with greasy pots and pans. In addition, bowls with discarded shrimp pieces, alligator, and chicken fat needed cleaned as well. This was not at all what I had envisioned. No happy customers. No tips to contribute to the cause; just a lot of dirty dishes and a wire scrub pad.
This wasn’t the first time my idea of ministry and God’s ideas for me differed. He had altered my plans many times before. During those times, I become fully aware that His thoughts are not my own. What I have learned is that He presents me with a simple choice- “Listen and obey” or “Go your own way”.
I could have graciously refused to help with the dishes. Surely they would have to understand. First, it was not what I had agreed to do that day. Furthermore, I was not really dressed in clothes for scrubbing grease. If I simply refused, I could return to the waitress station and start collecting tips. As I stared at the pile of pans, the two cooks watched to witness my reaction.
The seconds felt like minutes. I felt the Lord prompt my spirit first with verses from Colossians and a second from Philippians.
Colossians 3: 17, 14
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father…
Philippians 2: 14-15
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars…
This day, I chose to listen and obey, and I turned with a smile to take the scrub brush.
What a surprise to discover what had presented as a pile of dirty dishes turned out to be one of the most rewarding days in ministry I have ever had. Not only did I get to scrub countless items clean, I was able to labor beside two faithful men who touched my heart. After witnessing my willingness, the two male cooks had me help by flaying shrimp, frying onion rings and chicken tenders, and preparing plates. Being a witness for Christ had never been so fun. On that day, in the kitchen was where God had needed me most.
Where is God calling you to serve today? Is it all you dreamed it would be or is looking more like a pile of dirty dishes. Whichever the case, do not hesitate. Jump on in with a smile. God leads you to the area He needs you most, and the place God needs you the most is the only place you want to be.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Simply Stuck
The national weather has recently altered the travel plans of thousands. Last week, people were stuck in airports on the East Coast. Flights from Atlanta, New York, and Philedephia were grounded due to a huge ice storm that left the coast reeling. Passengers grumbled and complained but were ultimately forced to wait the storm out. Days ago, drivers were piling up on a freeway in California as they waited for plows to remove snow that obstructed their path. In blizzard like conditions, people rushed to find nearby shelter and many were reported to have spent the night in their cars. People wanting to be somewhere else, but finding they were simply stuck.
Today, as I sit and type, I have been holed up in the warmth of my home for three days. Several inches of snow and bitter winds have cancelled surrounding schools and shut down most of the small communities around me. Although my husband has plowed our driveway several times, the winds quickly replace the snow he has cleared, leaving my driveway impassible. Like the other travelers mentioned previously, I find that I, too, am simply stuck. The main difference being I do not mind. I am content where I am at.
Finding yourself in a place of confinement can produce much stress. Knowing where you want to be, and being unable to move yourself to that point, can result in anger, frustration, and even depression. Humans like to be in control. When control is removed from our hands, some immediately feel helpless and vulnerable.
In a spiritual sense, we desire control as well. We like our independence and the ability to plan for ourselves. Often, we set goals and devise plans to take us from where we are to where we think we need to be. We construct such plans for ourselves, our families, and even our church. We calculate our path, adjust our speed, and carefully monitor our progress so we will reach our desired destination on time. Ufortunately, we often proceed with our plans without consulting the Master Planner. When this occurs we might just find ourselves on a long highway piled with snow.
You see, sometimes the storms of life roll in. If we have stuck close by His side, we will never be stuck in an isolated place. When we follow in His steps, we move only when He advances. We wait patiently when He slows and stop if He pauses. We will not experience undo anxiety or stress when we are sheltered in His Presence. We have all we need, we are loved, and we feel peace. Much like my respite from the cold these last few days. What others might view as being stuck is nothing more than a time holed up in a warm place with Him.
But what about those times we have not remained by His side and find ourselves truly stuck and unable to move? How should we react? How do we find our way back?
When we realize we are losing control, our human instinct tells us to fight to gain it back. When we perceive that we have become stuck we fly into action to remedy the situation. Without pause, we will often reevaluate, recalculate and try a new method. We frantically search for answers while God is waiting for us to discard our plans and turn to His.
The solution is to cry out to the Lord and to wait on Him to make Himself known. Tune your ear once again to His voice and listen to what He will speak into your situation.
He will hear your cry.
He will come and find you.
He will rescue you from your distress.
He will shelter you until all danger has passed.
Then, He will fulfill His purpose for you.
For great is His love and faithfulness, it reaches to the heavens.
Adapted from Psalm 57.
Today, as I sit and type, I have been holed up in the warmth of my home for three days. Several inches of snow and bitter winds have cancelled surrounding schools and shut down most of the small communities around me. Although my husband has plowed our driveway several times, the winds quickly replace the snow he has cleared, leaving my driveway impassible. Like the other travelers mentioned previously, I find that I, too, am simply stuck. The main difference being I do not mind. I am content where I am at.
Finding yourself in a place of confinement can produce much stress. Knowing where you want to be, and being unable to move yourself to that point, can result in anger, frustration, and even depression. Humans like to be in control. When control is removed from our hands, some immediately feel helpless and vulnerable.
In a spiritual sense, we desire control as well. We like our independence and the ability to plan for ourselves. Often, we set goals and devise plans to take us from where we are to where we think we need to be. We construct such plans for ourselves, our families, and even our church. We calculate our path, adjust our speed, and carefully monitor our progress so we will reach our desired destination on time. Ufortunately, we often proceed with our plans without consulting the Master Planner. When this occurs we might just find ourselves on a long highway piled with snow.
You see, sometimes the storms of life roll in. If we have stuck close by His side, we will never be stuck in an isolated place. When we follow in His steps, we move only when He advances. We wait patiently when He slows and stop if He pauses. We will not experience undo anxiety or stress when we are sheltered in His Presence. We have all we need, we are loved, and we feel peace. Much like my respite from the cold these last few days. What others might view as being stuck is nothing more than a time holed up in a warm place with Him.
But what about those times we have not remained by His side and find ourselves truly stuck and unable to move? How should we react? How do we find our way back?
When we realize we are losing control, our human instinct tells us to fight to gain it back. When we perceive that we have become stuck we fly into action to remedy the situation. Without pause, we will often reevaluate, recalculate and try a new method. We frantically search for answers while God is waiting for us to discard our plans and turn to His.
The solution is to cry out to the Lord and to wait on Him to make Himself known. Tune your ear once again to His voice and listen to what He will speak into your situation.
He will hear your cry.
He will come and find you.
He will rescue you from your distress.
He will shelter you until all danger has passed.
Then, He will fulfill His purpose for you.
For great is His love and faithfulness, it reaches to the heavens.
Adapted from Psalm 57.
The Right Choice
"I want everything shut down at 12 p.m. so you can get some sleep."
My daughter and her three friends heard the instructions and agreed. While allowing them to stay up much later than normal, we still wanted them to get to bed at a decent time. Too little sleep results in a cranky pre-teen daugher and this is an occurrence we often try to avoid.
Not being a night owl myself, I ventured toward bed at a much earlier time and left my husband to enforce bedtime for the girls. Things proceeded as planned. Much later from my half-conscious state, I heard the troops shuffle down to the basement. My husband climbed in beside me and I drifted back toward my sweet dreams.
Unfortunately, my dreams were interrupted at 2:30 a.m. when I awoke to whispers and giggling. Unfortunately for the girls, the noise awakened my husband too. One not-too-happy Papa Bear got out of his warm bed to go enforce the bedtime. After stern words, he returned to bed and we lay in silence to see if the girls would disobey again.
As my ears strained to hear, I silently urged my daughter to make the right choice. I knew a consequence was already forthcoming. The fact that the girls were still awake at 2:30 would result in some serious questioning. The hour set for bedtime had been clear. To their error, they had not obeyed fully. If our daughter failed to make the right choice again, I knew the punishments would begin to pile up.
Spiritually, I am faced with countless decisions. Each and every choice I make effects my surroundings on the road of life just ahead. I know God has provided fool proof instructions in His Word. As I read these Truths, I must decide if I will fully obey. Many times, I have stood firm on the precepts in His Word. Other times, I have turned away and chosen a path that looked more inviting.
In times of disobedience, my choices lead to a place of pain and I find myself experiencing the consequences of sin. Even then, I can thankfully turn to God for forgiveness and help. In His love and mercy, He will speak new direction into my life. He will point to the path that clearly leads home. And once again, I get to make a choice.
How many times has the great cloud of witnesses watched me from above and urged me to make the right choice. What I need to continually remind myself is this one truth:
God only gives solutions to be implemented, not suggestions to be considered.
The message found in His Word is the solution. The instruction He provides through my pastor and Godly counsel is part of the same solution. His way is the only path that will lead to life. Any plan I devise on my own is faulty. If I remember His directions are always in my best interest, the right choice is much easier to make.
My daughter and her three friends heard the instructions and agreed. While allowing them to stay up much later than normal, we still wanted them to get to bed at a decent time. Too little sleep results in a cranky pre-teen daugher and this is an occurrence we often try to avoid.
Not being a night owl myself, I ventured toward bed at a much earlier time and left my husband to enforce bedtime for the girls. Things proceeded as planned. Much later from my half-conscious state, I heard the troops shuffle down to the basement. My husband climbed in beside me and I drifted back toward my sweet dreams.
Unfortunately, my dreams were interrupted at 2:30 a.m. when I awoke to whispers and giggling. Unfortunately for the girls, the noise awakened my husband too. One not-too-happy Papa Bear got out of his warm bed to go enforce the bedtime. After stern words, he returned to bed and we lay in silence to see if the girls would disobey again.
As my ears strained to hear, I silently urged my daughter to make the right choice. I knew a consequence was already forthcoming. The fact that the girls were still awake at 2:30 would result in some serious questioning. The hour set for bedtime had been clear. To their error, they had not obeyed fully. If our daughter failed to make the right choice again, I knew the punishments would begin to pile up.
Spiritually, I am faced with countless decisions. Each and every choice I make effects my surroundings on the road of life just ahead. I know God has provided fool proof instructions in His Word. As I read these Truths, I must decide if I will fully obey. Many times, I have stood firm on the precepts in His Word. Other times, I have turned away and chosen a path that looked more inviting.
In times of disobedience, my choices lead to a place of pain and I find myself experiencing the consequences of sin. Even then, I can thankfully turn to God for forgiveness and help. In His love and mercy, He will speak new direction into my life. He will point to the path that clearly leads home. And once again, I get to make a choice.
How many times has the great cloud of witnesses watched me from above and urged me to make the right choice. What I need to continually remind myself is this one truth:
God only gives solutions to be implemented, not suggestions to be considered.
The message found in His Word is the solution. The instruction He provides through my pastor and Godly counsel is part of the same solution. His way is the only path that will lead to life. Any plan I devise on my own is faulty. If I remember His directions are always in my best interest, the right choice is much easier to make.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
The Right Questions
I love spending time with my niece. Her inquisitive nature keeps me on my toes. She is like a little sponge soaking up every bit of information. Her questions are both funny and endless.
Humans were created to be emotional and intellectual creatures. We were created in the image of God. In fact, God wired us to ask questions only He can answer. Questions such as What is Turth? Why am I here? and What is my purpose? These questions start us on a search that hopefully leads to God.
These initial questions are only the beginning. As long as we live and breath, we will continue to ask questions. God planned it that way. However, we will not recieve an immediate answer to every questioned asked. There are some answers that remain hidden until eternity. Many people get hung up fretting over answers that have not arrived. When we are unable to trust God with our uncertainties, our sinful nature can cause us to dwell on all the wrong questions. Questions like "Why me?" and "When will the answer come?" divert our attention from the plan God has for our present.
When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot explain or understand, it is helpful to ask the following questions:
Humans were created to be emotional and intellectual creatures. We were created in the image of God. In fact, God wired us to ask questions only He can answer. Questions such as What is Turth? Why am I here? and What is my purpose? These questions start us on a search that hopefully leads to God.
These initial questions are only the beginning. As long as we live and breath, we will continue to ask questions. God planned it that way. However, we will not recieve an immediate answer to every questioned asked. There are some answers that remain hidden until eternity. Many people get hung up fretting over answers that have not arrived. When we are unable to trust God with our uncertainties, our sinful nature can cause us to dwell on all the wrong questions. Questions like "Why me?" and "When will the answer come?" divert our attention from the plan God has for our present.
When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot explain or understand, it is helpful to ask the following questions:
- How can I bring You glory in this situation?
- What is it You are trying to teach me now?
- Who will be influenced by my actions during this time?
Asking the right questions can make a huge difference. Rather than getting slowed down by questions which leave us spinning our spiritual tires, good questions will propel us forward. God wants us to continue asking and He wants our questions to bring us closer to Him.
What questions have been circling in your mind? Are they questions that tend to stunt your spiritual growth? Do you need to adjust your thoughts and perspective? Ask God to help you focus on questions that will result in growth and produce fruit in your life.
The Infallible Road Map
It was time for a vacation with extended family. This trip involved eleven people, two over sized and over stuffed vehicles, and two new GPS systems- one for each vehicle. My husband had consulted the map and knew exactly where we needed to go. It was a route we had traveled numerous times. However, our smaller vehicle had been passed over for a larger one and my husband wasn't one of the drivers. We all piled in and the chosen drivers started the engines. The GPS systems were fired up and programmed to take us on the shortest route available. Modern technology, what a blessing. What could go wrong?
I settled in for the long drive, but soon noticed my husband was beginning to fidget. As I took inventory of our surroundings, I immediately realized our small caravan had not taken the route my husband and I were so accustomed to. Not a problem, right? The GPS system had simply chosen an alternate course. A shorter route. A better choice.
It didn't take long for my husband to voice his concerns. "Aren't you planning to get on the interstate?", he asked. This, and several other inquiries, produced the same result. The drivers, after consulting with each other by cell phone, decided to stick with the route provided by the GPS. They were confident it provided the best plan.
My husband set back in his seat and determined to hold his tongue. He was not in the driver's seat so he abided by the decision of those driving. Thankfully, he had all he could take 45 minutes later when we were traveling at a very slow speed down a one lane dirt road between two corn fields. No joke. The smooth ride and fast pace of the interstate had not yet been reached. In addition, not one town or restroom could be seen on the distant horizon. This held the potential for being the longest and most miserable road trip ever.
Despite the promise of securing the best route available, the GPS had failed us miserably. Additionally, because the chosen drivers had not consulted a traditional road map before embarking, they failed to recognize the advice given by the GPS was faulty. Their lack of preparation, and dependence on a device prone to error, added unnecessary time and frustration to our trip. Fortunately, because he had consulted the map, my husband was able to take the wheel and lead the caravan to the interstate.
In this day of modern Christianity, there are many different avenues for strengthening one's faith. The internet provides worship services and sermons at the click of a mouse. Bible study and home fellowship groups are the newest phenomenon. Devotionals and blogs providing encouragement and direction abound to help you in your faith walk. With profound advice available, writers like Warren, Osteen, Maxwell, and Blackaby are producing best sellers left and right. Unfortunately, while looking for the easiest and most direct route to mature faith, many people turn to these options and neglect the original road map, the Bible.
The Bible is infallible.
infallible
1.) incapable of erring
2.) incapable of failing
3.) incapable of error in declaring doctrine on faith or morals.
The Bible is the best source for spiritual direction. It is an infallible road map and cannot lead you astray. Any other source comes from mere man, and man- no matter how spiritual- is capable of error. While other sources of study and/or encouragement can supplement the information obtained from the Word of God, they should never replace it.
Are you prone to using a spiritual GPS system of some kind or do you have a first-hand knowledge of the route you should take? In your assessment, here are some simple questions you might want to consider.
-Do you rely on the words of others for your direction or do you consult the Bible for yourself?
-Are you satisfied with the spiritual nourishment you receive during Sunday's service or do you sit down with your Bible to regularly feast on its truths?
-Would you immediately recognize the danger if someone or something began to lead you down a route that ventured from Biblical truth?
When one has a personal knowledge of the truths presented in the Bible, he or she is not easily deceived or led astray. The only way to know and effectively hide the Word of God in your heart is to read it and experience it for yourself. Why not set aside an additional amount of time today to simply soak up the message God's word has for you. It is alive and active. If you allow God to, He will use His Word to speak a specific word into your life today.
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The statutes You have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
~from Psalm 119
I settled in for the long drive, but soon noticed my husband was beginning to fidget. As I took inventory of our surroundings, I immediately realized our small caravan had not taken the route my husband and I were so accustomed to. Not a problem, right? The GPS system had simply chosen an alternate course. A shorter route. A better choice.
It didn't take long for my husband to voice his concerns. "Aren't you planning to get on the interstate?", he asked. This, and several other inquiries, produced the same result. The drivers, after consulting with each other by cell phone, decided to stick with the route provided by the GPS. They were confident it provided the best plan.
My husband set back in his seat and determined to hold his tongue. He was not in the driver's seat so he abided by the decision of those driving. Thankfully, he had all he could take 45 minutes later when we were traveling at a very slow speed down a one lane dirt road between two corn fields. No joke. The smooth ride and fast pace of the interstate had not yet been reached. In addition, not one town or restroom could be seen on the distant horizon. This held the potential for being the longest and most miserable road trip ever.
Despite the promise of securing the best route available, the GPS had failed us miserably. Additionally, because the chosen drivers had not consulted a traditional road map before embarking, they failed to recognize the advice given by the GPS was faulty. Their lack of preparation, and dependence on a device prone to error, added unnecessary time and frustration to our trip. Fortunately, because he had consulted the map, my husband was able to take the wheel and lead the caravan to the interstate.
In this day of modern Christianity, there are many different avenues for strengthening one's faith. The internet provides worship services and sermons at the click of a mouse. Bible study and home fellowship groups are the newest phenomenon. Devotionals and blogs providing encouragement and direction abound to help you in your faith walk. With profound advice available, writers like Warren, Osteen, Maxwell, and Blackaby are producing best sellers left and right. Unfortunately, while looking for the easiest and most direct route to mature faith, many people turn to these options and neglect the original road map, the Bible.
The Bible is infallible.
infallible
1.) incapable of erring
2.) incapable of failing
3.) incapable of error in declaring doctrine on faith or morals.
The Bible is the best source for spiritual direction. It is an infallible road map and cannot lead you astray. Any other source comes from mere man, and man- no matter how spiritual- is capable of error. While other sources of study and/or encouragement can supplement the information obtained from the Word of God, they should never replace it.
Are you prone to using a spiritual GPS system of some kind or do you have a first-hand knowledge of the route you should take? In your assessment, here are some simple questions you might want to consider.
-Do you rely on the words of others for your direction or do you consult the Bible for yourself?
-Are you satisfied with the spiritual nourishment you receive during Sunday's service or do you sit down with your Bible to regularly feast on its truths?
-Would you immediately recognize the danger if someone or something began to lead you down a route that ventured from Biblical truth?
When one has a personal knowledge of the truths presented in the Bible, he or she is not easily deceived or led astray. The only way to know and effectively hide the Word of God in your heart is to read it and experience it for yourself. Why not set aside an additional amount of time today to simply soak up the message God's word has for you. It is alive and active. If you allow God to, He will use His Word to speak a specific word into your life today.
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
The statutes You have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.
~from Psalm 119
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Slippery Slide
As the Puritan water truck came up the driveway, I wondered if it would make it up. I live at the top of a hill and the driveway is a continuous incline to the top. On this particular day, snow and ice covered the drive and made the conditions hazardous. With care, the truck made it to the top and I stepped out on the porch to meet the driver.
As we stood and exchanged greetings, a scary thing happened. The large water truck began to slide down the driveway. Helpless and unsure what to do, the driver watched in horror as his truck picked up speed and continued down the drive. The seconds seemed to drag for hours as we waited to see the outcome of this potential disaster. We both let out a sigh of relief when the truck slid completely off the drive and came to a stop in the snow drift in my front yard.
Although a disaster was averted, the truck driver still had a huge problem on his hands. And really, the driver was not at fault. He had done everything that was expected of him. After assessing the risk, the driver had proceeded up my drive with great caution. He had parked the truck and put on his emergency break. Unfortunately, all his care didn't prevent his truck from sliding in the slippery conditions.
Spiritually speaking, can you recall a time you found yourself in a precarious position because you cautiously proceeded into an area that really should have been avoided altogether? In error, we have enough confidence in our flesh to believe if we venture into dangerous areas with great care we will be able to remain in control. How foolish! Even if we proceed cautiously and apply the break when we think we have reached a stable place, we are still in danger of sliding.
Once the Puritan truck was pulled from my yard and safely on the road again, I assured the driver that skipping my drive completely was acceptable the next time it looked hazardous. I also had a long talk with God. I thanked Him for the ability to feel conviction when He prompts me to stay clear of an area He finds too risky for me. I also asked for wisdom and a desire to simply trust and obey. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I can handle and also what I need to avoid so I don't find myself struggling on a slope of compromise. I don't want to live my life on a slippery slide. I want my feet planted on solid ground.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
As we stood and exchanged greetings, a scary thing happened. The large water truck began to slide down the driveway. Helpless and unsure what to do, the driver watched in horror as his truck picked up speed and continued down the drive. The seconds seemed to drag for hours as we waited to see the outcome of this potential disaster. We both let out a sigh of relief when the truck slid completely off the drive and came to a stop in the snow drift in my front yard.
Although a disaster was averted, the truck driver still had a huge problem on his hands. And really, the driver was not at fault. He had done everything that was expected of him. After assessing the risk, the driver had proceeded up my drive with great caution. He had parked the truck and put on his emergency break. Unfortunately, all his care didn't prevent his truck from sliding in the slippery conditions.
Spiritually speaking, can you recall a time you found yourself in a precarious position because you cautiously proceeded into an area that really should have been avoided altogether? In error, we have enough confidence in our flesh to believe if we venture into dangerous areas with great care we will be able to remain in control. How foolish! Even if we proceed cautiously and apply the break when we think we have reached a stable place, we are still in danger of sliding.
Once the Puritan truck was pulled from my yard and safely on the road again, I assured the driver that skipping my drive completely was acceptable the next time it looked hazardous. I also had a long talk with God. I thanked Him for the ability to feel conviction when He prompts me to stay clear of an area He finds too risky for me. I also asked for wisdom and a desire to simply trust and obey. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows what I can handle and also what I need to avoid so I don't find myself struggling on a slope of compromise. I don't want to live my life on a slippery slide. I want my feet planted on solid ground.
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
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