1997-04-02 - Staying on Course
Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)
Prov 4:27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. (NIV)
This Easter weekend my family and I went on vacation in the eastern part of NC, along the Pamlico River. I took the kids out on the boat for a ride toward the Pamlico Sound we were looking at the different ducks, birds and sometimes we are lucky enough to spot a dolphin or river otter swimming around. On the trip home, God showed me something that I wanted to share with you all. Home is located off the river about 1 mile down a bay. The bay is marked with Channel markers. These markers keep you in the deeper water ,and away from shallow areas and other dangers such as fishing nets and crab pots.
The water was low this weekend, so it was particularly important to follow the markers. As the sun was setting we headed in, and I noticed that if I lined up three distance markers, I could stay in the safe water, and be stay on course to guide us home. I had to "fix" my eyes on these markers and keep all three in line.
Are you fixing your eyes and your life on God's markers? Are you staying the course? It is very hard to stay on course, hard to stay in God's will. This weekend I tried to identify "course-busters" in my life. The key is to sit down, take quiet time and figure out what veers you off course, and be prepared when the obstacles come, to recognize them and deal with them. We never intend to go off course; usually it is a slow drift away from God's perfect plan for our life.
My number one obstacle is busyness. Just purely and simply being too busy to focus on God and His will. Being too busy to see the markers, too busy sit back and focus on God. I think the evil one has got a grip on this country. with keeping us busy, busy, busy. Take time out, regroup, reevaluate your priorities, and focus more time on God. Discerning His will for your life in my opinion, is not a huge one-time "vision" or something that God will reveal to you. The discernment of His will comes from the moment-by-moment decisions we make to stay on course and evaluating what God has done so far in our life. If you slow down long enough, and look back over the course God has taken you on so far, I truly believe you will see where God is wanting you to go in the future.
Dear Father, guide us and help us to stay the course. The perfect course you have laid out for our lives. Father help us to identify our course-busters. Help us to resist the temptations that enter our lives, that push us off Your will and plan for our lives. Lord, help us all slow down and spend more time with You. Help us make the moment-by-moment decisions in our lives that are pleasing to You. Lord, forgive us for veering off Your course. We pray all this in Christ's name, Amen.