“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
Luke 6:46, ESV
In the 70’s and 80’s there were two popular comedic expressions: “The devil made me do it,” and “Could it be Satan?” It’s our nature to want to shift blame, but it’s no laughing matter. When God questioned Adam and Eve regarding their sin, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Satan’s influence in our lives is immense, but we alone are responsible for the choices we make.
A River Runs Through It
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
Isaiah 43:2, NIV
KER-SPLASH!
The look of surprise on our young daughter’s face was priceless as the cold mountain stream cut its way around her tiny body. Only moments earlier, with arms outstretched to keep her balance, she had playfully leaped from rock to rock. It looked easy enough, great fun with evenly laid out stones defining the way. Reaching the other side almost became a reality, and then, her unexpected plunge.
Life mimics this at times, plunging us into icy, cold waters as we make our way along what we think is a clearly defined path. It looks as if we are making notable progress, and then the unexpected happens. We are taken off guard and submerged in the current of life’s troubles, winding rivers of difficulty that eventually confront us all. There are days when we are pulled under, entrapped, dragged down by life’s undertow, days when the current is too swift and the river far too wide to pass through. How do we navigate our way to safety? Where do we find the courage to press on?
The day our daughter plummeted from her path and was flooded by the icy, cold water, she didn’t hesitate to cry for help and help did not hesitate to come. The same will be true for you. Cry out. God will come running.
My daughter emerged wringing wet that day, but her spirit was not dampened. Her goal was still in sight; she would not be deterred. After drying off, changing into her sister’s oversized pants, and enjoying a picnic, she returned to her game. With pant legs rolled up and determination set, she plotted her way across the swiftly moving stream with slow, deliberate steps. As she planted each foot securely on the rock in front of her, her confidence grew and her fear of failure subsided. Finally, she stepped onto the opposite side, her face beaming with pride. She knew the joy of rising above what once had defeated her. Victory was hers!
What is blocking your pathway to victory? Does a river run through it? Choose to cry out. God will show up and plant your feet securely on the rock.
Are your feet wet yet?
Starr
