Where do we go from here? This question comes to mind when we face decision points in life. We take an inventory of the things that have happened and the current situation to decide a direction. Which way do we go? What direction are we headed? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The new season brings with it a new set of challenges. As we gain experience, we develop a strategy to attempt to figure out where we are in our preparation for the season ahead. There are open practices, testing days, and opportunities to figure out if we are ready to race. How we utilize these opportunities goes a long way to determine what direction we are headed.
Sometimes though they are not always conclusive. There are times when we think we have a good handle on things, we think we are prepared, we think we have the kinks worked out and are ready. We pack up, head to the track, roll the car out, fire it up and hit the track. Then it happens, something we didn’t expect and the real race begins.
The head scratching, big swings, small adjustments, minor tweak and if necessary, the kitchen sink hoping to find the combination that works and gets the car right. Sometimes it is elusive and you just have to start the race with what you have and keep adjusting, hoping to find the right combination.
A week or so ago one driver fought those elusive gremlins and came home victorious. An electrical problem was causing the car to shut off. They worked at figuring it out hoping the next fix was the last. They didn’t get the practice they planned on so no time to figure out the chassis adjustments. They didn’t get the qualifying lap they hoped for and started the race behind, headed in the wrong direction. Certainly not the way you thought It would go.
As the race played out, they found themselves in the right position at the right time, leading the field when the checker flag waved. Now things don’t always work out that way, in fact they rarely do. Truth is more times than not you end up in a worse position than where you started, heading back to the shop with work to do. I am sure the ride is shorter with the winner’s trophy sitting in the passenger seat.
Finding the right direction can be a difficult process, especially when the road to the desired destination is one that you wouldn’t even think of walking. We think we know the way. We think we know how things should go. We think we know what should happen. We don’t. Things rarely are as predictable as we think. “I didn’t see that happening.”
Remember Peter and his friends out fishing, catching nothing, wondering what they needed to do, what direction did they need to go? They didn’t expect to meet Christ on the shore. They didn’t expect to catch so many fish. They didn’t expect he would have breakfast for them. They certainly didn’t expect that he would have forgiveness and direction for them.
They found direction in a place they didn’t expect. Isn’t that just like Christ, meets us where we are and guides us in the direction we need to go. Christ promises to do that if we let him into our lives. We would do well to let him show us the direction we need to go.
Mathew 28:16-20; Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This passage reveals a couple things that will help us as we look for direction in our lives. Notice they went to the place Jesus told them to go. I’m not sure they went with the confidence that this was the right direction, but they followed Jesus’ direction. It says they met Jesus there but some doubted indicating they weren’t sure what they would find.
When we talk about following the directions Jesus gives us many times we lack the confidence to know it is right, we need to have trust and faith in Christ, the giver of the direction. When we follow the results are the same, we will meet Christ there. We can be assured if we meet Christ there, we followed the right direction. The best direction we can have in life is to join God where he is working. He will direct us there if we put our trust and faith in him. Even in our doubt he will reveal himself.
This passage also reveals that God has a plan for us. He has work for us to do. Notice the order of things. God’s plan isn’t haphazard. First this, then this and then finish with that. We can see by how God is revealed in the Scripture that he has a direction, he is organized and well thought out.
Let’s see if we can follow along; Go, don’t sit around waiting for folks to come to you, go to them. Tell them about me, share with them the things I have done for you and how your life has taken a new direction because of your faith in me. Help them put their faith in me also. Welcome them into the family, help them proclaim to the world what they have decided in their heart. Teach, nurture, guide and walk alongside as they seek to follow my direction.
Look also at the last statement, Christ doesn’t expect us to do something he hasn’t already committed to do for us. I am with you always. Helping us find direction doesn’t mean telling us where to go and then sending us down the road. No, Christ gives us direction and then says come on, join me, I’ll walk with you.
How much better is the road of life when you have a traveling partner? When you have someone who has been there and knows the way? When you have someone who will walk alongside, never leave you or let you go?
Remember that victory we talked about earlier? The crew chief on the car in Victory Lane was no stranger to that place. He himself had visited there previously, he knew the way, he walked alongside and he brought his driver to that special place of victory.
There is something to be said for following someone who has been there, someone who has walked the road, someone who knows the way. We benefit from their experience, knowledge and understanding. Christ has walked the road he offers to travel with us. He knows the way. He understands what is important. He knows the direction we must go. Join Him on the journey.
Deuteronomy 31:8; Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
