Category Archives: Life

When we want to move forward but find ourselves restrained to one place it can be frustrating.  When it seems as if we are presently being held and not released to go – march, march in place preparing for when the time is right and the Lord says go, then march forth into the openings and assignments. A regretful place to be is one where we are being called to march forth yet, we give excuses and stay in one place.

   Moses was full of excuses, in Exodus we see where he was called by God to go, in turn Moses gave a number of reasons for why God should pick someone else. Do any of Moses excuses sound familiar or similar to ones we have used: you have chosen the wrong person, who am I, I am not holy enough, I might fail, I don’t have the right gifts or skills, I am slow of speech and tongue (don’t speak well in front of others)? Moses had excuses but God had excuse annihilators; I will be with you, I will help you speak and teach you what to do. Moses looked at himself considering his inabilities and fears, while God looked at His power and abilities to work through a flawed person; imperfect people are His perfect vessels. Moses asked God to send someone else but eventually he agreed to go, thus impacting millions of lives.

   Can we hear the Lord saying to us today, “I’m calling you. Yes, I said it before and I’m saying it again, I don’t want you to lose sight of it or dismiss it thinking it is someone else I’m speaking to, it’s you my friend. I have plans for you, you have been in the shadows, it’s time to come out, to step into your purpose, no more excuses. What is inside of you others need, you can do this for I have equipped you and I am your strength. Will you be my voice? It is time.”

   As we step out we can expect opposition, Moses had it, so did King David, Jesus had it as well as the apostles; but be strong and of good courage for the Lord is with us. And, “…great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord” Psalm 117:2 NIV. Though we might find it to be extraordinarily challenging at times, the rewards are magnificently fulfilling and satisfying, they far exceed any price we pay; plus we’ll have no end of life regrets at having rejected the Lord’s call.

   What is Holy Spirit stirring within? Are we ready to end the excuses, to trust that God knows what he is doing, that he will be with us, will help us speak and teach us what to do? It’s not too late – let’s march!

   When off on an adventure to climb to the top of a mountain we often have a choice of paths; I like trails with markers that give a clue as to the terrain whether easy, difficult, or expert climbers only. Alas, many do not give hints, not even if it goes to the top, into a valley, or dead ends in the middle of know where; sometimes paths in life feel this way.

   There are paths that seem right but not all lead us where we should go. Simply because there is hardship along the way does not mean we are going the wrong direction; the Lord uses difficulties to shape us, to bring out our character, to refine us. Silver and gold are purified in the heat, precious stones are smoothed as they rub against each other; gems are more valuable as pieces are chipped away so their facets catch the light to reflect their beauty. A path that seems sunny and bright, one of ease and conflict free, does not remove anything stuck to us. There is nothing to buff the dullness away or refine our character; we remain an unattractive stone kicked to the wayside, our true worth never known. The right path is the one that allows us to become a reflection of Jesus, shinning for His glory.

   When we head off on a new path it is wonderful to have a guide with us; someone who knows where we are going and the best way to get there, or at least a pamphlet they have written giving instructions and helpful insights. How fortunate we are to have the instruction manual to life, the Bible, and even better – the Author and Guide comes with it. When we are starting off we can, and should, consult with Him on the way to go; knowing we are on the right path when the way becomes challenging will encourage us to continue pressing forward.

   Paths are a training ground, a place of preparation for what’s ahead, the next step; it’s a time where areas to be worked on and developed are revealed. We have strengths and weaknesses, strengths have weaknesses and weaknesses have strengths. Strengths need to be tempered with love, humility, and a dependence on the Lord. Our weaknesses show his strength as we develop confidence to give him freedom to use them and move through us. Life is meant to be a partnership, us and the Lord, doing it together.

   The Lord has laid out a good way for us to go, one He knows we will take delight in when we follow it. He custom designed it just for us knowing our likes, gifts, talents, and abilities. It has enough challenges to keep us invigorated and engaged, yet not enough to overwhelm us or to be impossible as we walk beside him, seeking his guidance and wisdom.

   Shall we set out – it’s the perfect day to venture forth!