Keep running...or walking

Third Street looked like a spooky scene from a movie a few days ago.  It was around seven o’clock in the morning, and fog rested freely on the town.  I can witness this because I was there.  The GPS watch on my left wrist and iPhone sleeve on my right arm were about to assist me in my run.  Turning around wasn’t even an option in my mind, so I ran through it.

I know fog doesn’t harm anybody; therefore, running through it isn’t a big deal.  I told you this short story because God gave me a word to share with you based on it.  Truth is, you’ve been on a foggy road too.

This word is for all of those who don’t have everything figured out.  It is designed to be spoken to people of all ages who, despite hours of trying to understand, can’t find the answer.  If that’s you, keep reading.

The answer is on the road, but the fog prohibits you from seeing it.  Everybody finds fog on their road of life.  The important part is deciding what we will do about it.  What will we do about the uncertainties of life?

Answers vary tremendously.  For instance, some people like to take a short cut.  They believe they’ve found a way around all this uncertainty by getting to an answer faster.  Notice that an answer isn’t always the answer.   Short cuts often end where they began.  Don’t be fooled. 

Some people decide to stop and quit hoping.  Life they’ve tried to find for years just isn’t happening, so they assume it is alright to stay right where they’re at and never allow God to take their lives to new heights.  It’s really sad to listen to somebody speaking about their own future when they have no dreams, no goals, and ultimately no intended purpose.  Your life is valuable.  It’s amazingly unique and special in every way.  God wants to use you in ways that you think are impossible.

Lastly, some people choose to turn around and walk back to where they started.  They believe that following Jesus is too hard, so they go back to living by their own strength.  They will still face uncertainty, for life is full of it.   Truthfully, no human has the strength to live a life greater than the life God gives us.  When following God, your story will be greater than you because it wasn’t you who wrote it.  

My encouragement to you this morning is simply this: Keep Walking.  You and I will likely spend more time walking through life than running.  Don’t give up.  Don’t give in to temptations or short cuts.  I want to leave you with some helpful words as you trust God on your uncertain walk of life.

GOD KNOWS YOUR FUTURE.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”  

GOD DETERMINES YOUR STEPS.  “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:19 NLT).

TRUST HIM AND DON’T RELY ON YOUR PERSPECTIVE.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Your perspective changes; God’s plan never will.  

YOUR FUTURE MATTERS.  “For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

ASK GOD FOR DISCERNING WISDOM. What looks supportive could ultimately be destructive.  Ask God for wisdom to avoid deception.  

God still cares, and he wants you to keep walking forward.  Have a great Labor Day weekend!