I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war again the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
I love this picture! Take a few minutes to observe the scene. Where is the road leading? How did he get there in the first place? Notice the vehicle is teetering on the edge. All it takes is one wrong move and he's down the mountain in no time flat. Imagine the driver's physical state... heart beating ninety-miles an hour, sweat dripping, hands shaking and prayers pouring out! Can you feel his situation on this Road Less Traveled?
I love this picture! Take a few minutes to observe the scene. Where is the road leading? How did he get there in the first place? Notice the vehicle is teetering on the edge. All it takes is one wrong move and he's down the mountain in no time flat. Imagine the driver's physical state... heart beating ninety-miles an hour, sweat dripping, hands shaking and prayers pouring out! Can you feel his situation on this Road Less Traveled?
I recall a moment like this in my own life. It was August 1984, Fred and I drove from Bakersfield, CA to Red River, NM in a 1979 blue Ford pickup without an air conditioner. Just think of this romantic scene... the 120 degree Mojave desert wind blowing my hair, newly weds sitting side-by-side, the aroma of sweat in the air. The adventure of sleeping at the luxurious roadside park because we were saving every penny for our honeymoon destination - Red River. Oh, the blessing of creating memories to last a lifetime.
Of course there are always the "newlywed" spats that arise, especially when you are hot and tired! A day into our journey I recall becoming a bit upset because he was making all the decisions. So, he said, "Ok, you map our route from Flagstaff, AZ to Red River, NM. With excitement and a sense of power I decided the course of action. In my twenty-year old naive mind I chose the shortest route on the map. Little did I know this way would take us across an Indian Reservation and end up with us looking down a cliff onto a wooden bridge crossing The Royal Gorge. Hot, sweaty, and grumpy we gasped as we stopped at the top of the cliff! Our minds started spinning out of control. Our gas tank indicated low fuel, so there was no turning back. Moving forward we located the path leading down toward the gorge. We prayed every inch of the way. This narrow, winding dirt road caused us to focus our hearts on trusting the Lord. When we finally arrived at the bridge, teenage Indians were jumping off the bridge. As we moved stealthily over the wooden overpass they stuck their heads in our window and yelled... "Woo Woo Woo Woo" in a chanting voice. For a moment I thought I was in a television movie.
With huge sighs of relief we made it across without harm. Looking back up the cliff we realized only God could have successfully guided us down this Road Less Traveled! We thanked Him for taking care of us and helping us through this experience.
I often think of this real life experience. I had the choice of which route to take and I chose the shortcut. I didn't take into account all the obstacles, circumstances and terrain. What a lesson learned!
This resembles a spiritual lesson as well. Are you trying to take shortcuts in your Christian life? Is God calling you one way and you are taking the shortcut? What does He have for you on His path for your life? Don't miss diving into His Word. It is the only book of directions we need in life.
Do you sometime feel like the person in this picture?
Are you trying to build your own road? The effort and work it takes in the labor process is almost too much to handle. But, when we take God's way it is amazing! He lays the foundation for the pathway He has planned for our lives. Channel your efforts on His Road Less Traveled and see all He has waiting for you to accomplish for Him! Enjoy the journey... Live for Him... Pray continually... And, skip the shortcuts! AMEN!
RLM NEWS...
- RLM Mission Trip... Pray for our mission trip to Jacmel, Haiti! We will be there June 4-10 to lead a conference with 500-600 women! So, eager for all the Lord has planned!
- Reflecting Him Video Teaching Series... This series will be available in mid-July! We are excited about this addition to the Reflecting Him project.
- Reflecting Him Leader's Guide... Also, available in July!
- Reflecting Him Children's Version... Wow! Mom and children learn the same truths! Three age levels... preschool, elementary and teenage. Available in August 2011!
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From My Heart to yours,
Carla McDougal
carla@reflectivelifeministries.org
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Okay, first of all...what in the world was that car thinking...must be some South American providence...I've seen pictures of some of their most dangerous roads. Since I am an envelope pusher by nature I can relate to teetering on the edge. It gets especially tougher when I fail to go the road He has all ready laid for me.
ReplyDeleteMust say this made me smile again----for I have head this story before (I laughed hard). Yep, it's all about taking the easy way out. I've learned many hard lessons about that---and still learning. God always has the BEST way planned for us, right? Thank you for reminding me of this valuable truth! Always, love. gb
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