Many times people amaze me at how they handle situations. I’ve sat with people who have only a little time left on this earth. One obvious observation is there are basically two ways people handle this point in life: 1) some people accept it and are at peace and even ready for death, or 2) others become angry, afraid, or heartbroken at the news (understandably so). I’ve also sat with cancer patients, surgery patients, many sick people, and recovered people. However, sick people aren’t the only ones who amaze me at their responses to the lemons life throws them. My father has amazed me with his response when he was let go from his job of many years. Others also have this amazing “up-beat” attitude. But how do people handle the crossroads in life? Sometimes somebody’s response to difficulty makes me think “wow, talk about a spiritual giant!” While other times, I can’t help but wonder if they truly are who they claim to be.
Life is full of struggles, ups, and downs. We do our best to trudge through the swamps and (on a good day) enjoy the grassy fields. As a people of God, we must follow the example of the spiritual giant when we face both difficulty and a time of joy. The spiritual giant asks for God’s direction, even if it takes him down a less desirable path at the time. Often we get so caught up in making a decision that we forget to seek out God’s decision FIRST. However, sometimes we paralyze ourselves when we cannot clearly see God’s direction (especially between two wonderful choices) by not moving at all. When this happens I want to encourage you to do what Peter did in Matthew 14—get out of the boat and just GO! But when you do, stay focused on the goal and don’t second guess your choice. Trust that God will let you know if it was the right choice or not. After all, God works all things for the good. What boat do you need to step out of this week?
—Josh
“Try great things for God and expect great things from Him!”
