A few weeks ago I saw that I had a message on Face book. After reading the message, I noticed a long string of messages going to a friend of mine whom I was linked to. As I read through the congratulations, one after another, it took me back multiple decades to my high school days. At that time I had a serious “crush” on a young lady at our church. Judy was, in my estimation, right at the top of the young women in our youth department with looks, personality and a fervent passion for God. I asked her out time and time again over the years and always got the same answer. “Chuck, you know I can only be married to a preacher.” At that point in my life that was the last occupation on my mind and she knew it. She remained faithful to her vision and God rewarded her with a heck of a guy, who (you guessed it) was going to be a preacher. As my mind came back to the long list of best wishes expressed to them for over four decades of marriage, I saw in writing the rewards of her faithfulness to God’s calling in her life.
As I paused, smiled and celebrated for them, this quote by George W. Truett came to mind: “To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge! To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.” Judy knew instinctively what God wanted her to do. He placed a desire in her heart which I am sure she prayed about many times. God released the power of her prayers and brought Russ into her life, fulfilling His will for her. Together they invested their lives in their family and others. In doing so, their list of friends, acquaintances and spiritual children grew to a point that few could rival. Ah, the blessings of being faithful.
Each of your lives will not be the same as Judy’s. However, I hope you are not like your dad needing five different careers and many years before you can wake up every morning knowing that you are right where you are suppose to be in life and the Kingdom of God. The key is staying close to God, so the rabbit trails of distraction are not long ones. The more you consult Him and the more you are focused, the less you will have to be corrected. It’s like driving on the interstate verses driving on the side roads. The side roads may seem like fun, especially if you have a Porsche or Ferrari, but there are only a certain number of entrances/exits to the interstate, if you know what I mean. I remind you of what we have discussed in the past – focus on what brings you joy because that is what God has given you to work with. He has planted the desires in your heart for a reason. Follow them and there will be joy, peace and rewards in both this life and the next.
In closing, I will tell you that whatever it takes to get you to the point of knowing you are where God wants you is worth the journey. The side roads just put more wear and tear on you. The straight path pays dividends and allows you to prosper in His Kingdom with less stress.
Love Dad