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One Way!Topics: Guidance
During a vacation a few years ago, my wife and I awoke one bright
Sunday morning and prepared for church. In an unfamiliar city, we asked
for directions to a local church that we had found in the yellow pages
of the phone book. Upon receiving the requested information, we began
the ten minute drive (or so we thought) to the church.
Downtown in an unfamiliar city can leave one feeling more than a little
confused. One way streets, construction and poor directional skills can
lead you to only one place...lost. Our time began to run out, church
was to begin in only a matter of minutes, and, yet, the church was
nowhere in sight.
We began to panic. It seemed like we were not going to find the
church, and certainly were not going to arrive on time. In my own mind
I began to wonder if God even cared if we made it to church on this
particular morning. I was discouraged and felt like giving up. I even
questioned my wife, "Should we just give up and wait until tonight's
service to attend?"
Silently, a prayer went up. "Lord, help us find the church. Which
way should we go?"
Then, it happened. We came to a street that was marked "One way."
Naturally, we turned in the appropriate direction. Less than one block
away was the church we were looking for, the answer to our prayer. It
was there within our sight the entire time. The answer was there...we
just had not asked the question.
Oftentimes life can leave you feeling like we felt in that unfamiliar
city. Confused, discouraged, misplaced. Too often Christians find
themselves mimicking the actions that we went through that Sunday
morning. We got at it ourselves, relying on our talents, skills and
abilities, instead of relying on the Lord Jesus. We begin to panic when
it seems like we are about out of time. We begin to wonder about God,
does He even care? We become discouraged and feel like giving up.
Then, maybe as a last resort, we offer up a prayer..."Lord, help me.
Which way should I go?"
Funny how the answer is usually there within our sight. We just needed
a heavenly nudge in the right direction. The answer is there, we just
need to ask the question!
Have you ever felt like giving up? Do you feel confused, discouraged
or misplaced? Maybe money woes have got your back against the wall
financially. Maybe health problems have left you feeling defeated and
depressed. Maybe you are unhappy at your workplace, or within your
marriage, or in relationships with those around you. Maybe you feel
like giving up...
...Maybe it's time you asked for directions! "Lord, help me. Which
way should I go?"
Have a "Wonderful DAY in Christ,"
Jimmy D. Brown