So it’s Sunday morning and the Guest Pastor is wearing a lampshade on his head. (Yeah, that’ll happen when the Senior Pastor is stuck on a plane with the mission team trying to get home from Texas.)
The lampshade is one of those ivory-colored, flute shaped (well, upside-down flutes) where the circular opening at the top is 6-8 inches across then opens out to a wide, wire rim to support the shade.
Pastor D. is talking about knowing God’s will for my life–because I know God has a will for me and it can be known. How? By running to my friends to ask them? Chatting with the Pastor on a Sunday after church? Chalking up circumstances to see how they play out? All of those are a piece of the puzzle. But……..
Unfortunately, there is no long range spotlight that goes down the pathway of my life 150 feet in front of me. No, at the most, it may be only a ten foot radius at my feet. And the path forward is actually difficult to see (as the lampshade is covering my eyes). However, with my view down at my feet I can clearly see the path before me a few steps at a time.
And if I’m stuck? Can’t see what’s next?
He admonishes us, “Go back to the last time you said ‘yes’ to God (or ‘no’). Start there. Then move again. And again. And again.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’d always prefer the searchlight. (Or the spotlight—even better.) I’d like to see the Way Ahead part of my life, be prepared for what’s coming, delight in the bright future and all.
When the way is dark and friends aren’t around, I have Jesus with me, His word in my heart, my head leaning towards Him, listening for His voice to say, “This is the way, walk right here, even if it’s just one step at a time.”
Here’s to taking the next right step as He lights the way in the dark.
This is good, Jody. Interestingly, our pastor recently preached a sermon and used a lamp as an illustration as well. Slightly different, but a cool similarity nonetheless. 🙂
Even the darkness is as light to Him….I so often need this reminder that just a little bit at a time. I just need to obey the next thing. One step at a time…
Marcie, I'm SO THANKFUL we get a 'do over' over and over again when we've been stubborn. Jesus is so patient!
That was an awesome sermon. I spent quite a while yesterday thinking about the last thing God asked me to do and whether I've done a good job of obeying.
one step, just one step at a time – that's what He usually shows me, as much as I'd like Him to light the whole picture!
Hmmmm….indeed. The message sure resonated with me, JoAnne. Thanks for reading.
Was just talking about the yesterday on the train home. God doesn't hide His will. It's always right there in front of us. Duh.