As I spoke last week let us remember about the journeys we take in life, the trails we walk. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of blessings and challenges. God’s hand has been on our journeys and I have seen His touch on our lives. How about you? Can you see the presence of God as you look back at the trails you traveled? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
At times life seems to be a blur, even when you have some downtime it can seem that things are moving way too fast. Last weekend I had several bases to cover that involved being here, there and everywhere. As we prepared to celebrate my grandson’s 10th birthday I needed to be away so I visited with him before I left and shared some time with him. From there we had some private family time then off to Virginia for the Whelen Modified Tour race. As the checkers flew we started up our chariot and headed north. I needed to be back for our Church picnic and baptism service on Sunday. That time was all too short and all too long at the same time.
Balance is a difficult thing to achieve in life. As I thought about the tracks we run I was reminded of the challenges each track presented in setting up a racecar, Short-track, Superspeedway and Roadcourse, they present different challenges. The cars may look the same but the setups are totally different. We have to figure out the balance for each one. Balance is very important, whether setting up a racecar or our journey through life.
How about the trails of our lives? From the outside we still look the same but on the inside we have to have the ability to make adjustments depending on the situation. We need the ability to adapt and be able to reach out no matter what environment we find ourselves in. Listen to the words of Paul.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul adjusts his approach the way we adjust our race cars, no one setup is good for every track we run on. Likewise, no one approach will reach all the people we encounter with the Gospel. Much like what we experience in the extremes of the different race tracks we go to. We also need to adjust our approach depending on the environment we find ourselves in. The trail that leads to the cross is different depending on where you are at.
God has called us to go, here, there and everywhere. He even makes trails in the wilderness! One of the interesting things about walking with God is the fact that he doesn’t always reveal the challenges ahead. He requires us to have faith in him.
Hebrews 11:1; NLT; Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
When we race we know the track, we know the challenge, it is laid out before us. The team that figures out the setup and the driver that figures out how to drive it will be successful. Things are a little different with God.
We need to follow although we cannot see the entire trail. I am reminded of a photo I have hanging up. It shows a trail that disappears around a corner. You can only see a little bit, where does it lead? God only knows and for us to find out we need to follow Him, trust Him and let Him guide us. That is how we live out our faith.
Seeing the entire trail is not required for us to start the journey. We must trust the one who has called us to take the trip. That is something that doesn’t come without trial and error. Sometimes we miss out because we want to know everything before we agree to start the journey. This past weekend there were many things I didn’t know, but I knew the trail I had to take.
We need to trust the results to God. God knows the trail he has called us to follow. He knows where it leads. He knows the challenges we will face along the way. He promises to be there alongside to guide us, protect us and encourage us.
Isaiah 43:1b-3a; NLT; “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Are we prepared to walk the trails God has prepared for us? Are we prepared to put our trust and faith in God? Are we prepared to trust God and take the trail necessary to be effective in bringing the Good News to the ends of the Earth? Jesus gave us this charge; I encourage you to have the faith to take it up the journey.
Matthew 28:18-20; Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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.
