A very good lesson today in navigating life’s temptations, challenges, and trials. Give it a read.
Also, if you don’t have the You Version app you might want to give it a try. It has dozens of bible translations as well as numerous bible reading plans. I have used about a dozen shorter plans. I intend on tackling this one in 2017. I recommend trying a few of the shorter plans before attempting a year long study. Source: Bible In One Year 2017
I am a “fastest route” kind of person. Long before GPS systems became so readily available and we are told step by step how to get from point A to point B, I was a map reader. I may have even been a little over the top about it. It wasn’t usually good enough to just assume I had the fastest route. If it was a regular route I took, I would specifically look for opportunities to validate my choice by either timing all the routes at different times, or, please don’t judge me, have my wife drive a vehicle on one route while I took the other. (Yes, I usually allowed her to go what I estimated to be the slower of the two routes. That strategy was only partially successful though. She happens to be as competitive as I am so I wasn’t always certain she / we observed all the traffic laws.)
Long trips early in our married life also turned into learning experiences. My wife enjoys the travel experience and prefers not to feel rushed. I preferred to conquer the drive. Frequent stops for shopping, eating, and bathroom breaks were a normal part of the journey for Lisa. In my opinion they were the enemy of a successful drive. The tension around this rose a bit as children arrived. We survived those challenges and we’ve grown to have a much more aligned view on our travel. Today I still plan the trips with an estimate of the journey’s duration given to the family. But we include time for potential stops. We talk about it ahead of time and generally come to agreement. And travel is much more harmonious.
The biggest difference in me is that I have realized that in my journeys, like in my life, if I make a plan seeking the Lord’s guidance and then give it to the Him, then I can let go of the need to MAKE IT HAPPEN. I can relax and trust Him with the outcome. This is liberating.
An illustration comes to mind. In a way it is like having a map and having the travel app WAZE on. I see the path to take on the map. But as I travel, WAZE is giving me commentary on the road ahead. It tells you of traffic ahead and reroutes you around it. You may still encounter a bit of a slow-down, but in the end you get around it in a bit better time and you make it to your final destination. The comparison for me is to reading the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. When I read the Word I am encouraged, I gain direction for my life, I see a life to live that is pleasing to the Father and something I desire. But when I step out the door and into all the activities that make up life, I need the Holy Spirit to help take the truth of scripture and apply it to the myriad real life situations I encounter.
I used to have a problem when things interrupted my plans for the day. I am much better (not where I know I need to be yet, but better) today about letting the interruptions play out. I have learned that often in the interruptions God intervenes to teach me or use me in ways that wouldn’t have happened on the path I had planned. Last night is a case in point.
We were heading home late after watching our niece and nephew’s basketball games. While we really didn’t want to, we stopped at the store to pick up a few things. As we were checking out I noticed the cashier let out what sounded like a tired sigh as she finished the prior customer. I assumed she was feeling tired like I was so I casually asked, “Been a long day?”
“No.” she replied. “Stressed.” After a bit of a pause she said, “It’s not work. It’s something else… not here.” (Okay, let me just say that an opening like that is definitely a detour that a person intent on following the straightest and fastest route would say to avoid at all costs.)
I don’t remember exactly what I said in response, but we engaged in a bit of a conversation as she rang up our groceries. It turns out we had a slightly similar experience to share and encourage her from. It was just a few brief words of encouragement, but it seemed like they were somewhat of a help. But I think the bigger thing was the last thing we did. As she totaled our purchases and turned to me, I knew I didn’t have a specific answer to her dilemma, but I knew Who did. I asked if she minded if we prayed. Well she didn’t say “No.” so I reached across, took her hand and prayed a simple prayer of faith asking the Father to give her guidance and to bless her.
As I let her hand go she asked, “Are you a preacher?”
“No,” I said.
“Are you a Minister?”
Again, “No.”
“Where do you go to church?”
I told her. And she replied, “Well I guess Sunday I’ll have to come to visit.”
I walked away chuckling at God’s goodness. We took a detour. Shopping is not my thing at anytime, but especially late in the evening when I am ready for bed. But that little detour meant a young woman was encouraged and hopefully will make it to a place where she can meet the One who loves her more than she can imagine.
When we let go and let God, He will take us to the places we need to go and allow us to experience things that fit into His perfect plan. Just let Him navigate and you will enjoy the ride of your life.
Take care my friend and enjoy the ride.
areliablefaith 