Into the Fire

It is a relief to accept one’s individuality. Although created “equal”, we come in all shapes, sizes, colors, with and without physical handicaps, but certainly all of us are born with the sin handicap. Nothing can be done to change it. We can choose redemption through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, but, again, there is nothing we can do to choose it for another. And nothing we can do to redeem ourselves.

In one sense we are all traveling along the same road. Sin is a great equalizer. The only way to avoid following that road to perdition is to surrender to the One who came to save us from it. While we’re here, if we agree to follow Him, we are transplanted to a narrower road. Some would say it’s filled with requirements—too many, too difficult to follow. And, unfortunately, some of those who make it that way for us are on it, too. However, it isn’t the Lord who demands a legalistic adherence to rules and regulations along the road to heaven.

Sometimes we picture the narrow road like the aftermath pictures of hurricanes. Full of obstacles, frustrating destruction in our way. We perceive ourselves as going it alone. We thrash and struggle. Yes, sometimes we encounter sorrow and tragedy. Other times we manufacture our problems. Life is often problematic. We were warned of its trouble. We were also assured of the Lord’s accompaniment throughout the journey. Still, part of the time we persist in going it alone.

The true magnificence of the journey lies in that accompaniment. If we pursue an ever increasing closeness to our Savior, we can count on a strength outside of ourselves. We trade in our frailties and weaknesses for His power and spiritual resources. The narrow road may change surfaces and require those uphill climbs with a few downhill slides, but in Him we have what we need to make our way.

Along the road of life, there are particular calls which separate each of us to follow our unique plans while at the same time uniting us in the big picture. Your road, while having similarities to mine, will require different avenues in the pursuit. Your growth in the process and your ability to draw near to God might have a different pace than mine. God is much more patient than you or I. He urges, but he doesn’t push. He asks, but he doesn’t demand. He gives instructions and expects us to complete them, but he supplies what we need to do so. We can only accomplish real goals when we yield our ways to His designs for us. Sometimes we pout or fight our way along the road wondering why we must encounter certain occurrences or adversaries. There are plenty of opportunities for dismay and discouragement. Until we come to the place where we lay down our plans and make a determination to follow God’s will, we resist a supernatural contentment.

Writing is not just a hobby for a lot of us. It is a call we answer with our unique efforts and with a voice fine-tuned by our Lord. If we’re serious about the call, we’ll work hard to get those words down as well as we can. Some of us will be much better at it than others of us, but we’ll persevere because the Lord has instructed us to write. We’ll follow the road He designed for us and accept it for what it is. If we’re smart, we won’t snub those who are behind us or wish we were where those ahead of us are. We’ll recognize the beauty in the individuality of our instructions and revel in the fact that we’re equal in the Lord’s eyes to everyone else along the road. We are loved. We are a prize. We are guarded. We are called. We are chosen.

Find your road. Stay on it. No matter what.

Father, thank you for salvation. Thank you for individuality within your body. Thank you for unique calls and for your personal instructions. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. Thank you for never leaving us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.