Spring is in the air, plants are budding, we're working in the yard, enjoying bright sunny days and evenings, outside sports and activities, appreciating and enjoying God's great creation. Cindy and I really like taking walks together, especially with Cookie -- the adorable mini pinscher/ dachshund hybrid dog. As we walked we were reminded of a news story in which a couple was walking their dog on their property in northern California and discovered the biggest and most valuable gold coin hoard ever unearthed in the United States. They were treading the same well‐worn path they've trod hundreds of times for the dog's daily constitutional when they spotted the rusted top of a metal can sticking up out of the eroded ground. They dug the can out with a stick and took it home. To their surprise they found gold coins valued at 10 million dollars. Incredible!
However, when we walk with God every day we are richly blessed and taken to places we've never really been before. The destination for this lifetime -- the mind of Christ, the Promised Land, the Abundant Life -- is described to us in the Holy Bible. Yet we've never been there before, nor do we know exactly how to get there. The Bible gives us very concrete instruction, but the actual application is initially a challenge to understand. Numerous detours and false paths make the road really hard to follow. It is vital that we learn to trust our Guide, God and the Holy Spirit, in every area of our lives -- day in and day out.
We can trust Him because we are assured that when we love God and commit our lives to Him, He works everything -- the good and the bad -- together for good. We can trust Him because He has demonstrated His great unconditional love for us. We can commit our wayward child to Him because we know He loves that child even more than we do. We can commit our finances to Him because we know that He will work all things for good as we follow Him and trust Him for wisdom. We can trust our loved one's health to Him because of His mercy and love. We can trust God to work His plan in our ministry -- and His plan is perfect.
Today, examine your daily walk. Where are you going and who is your guide?
These are the two most important questions you need to ask. If you are your own guide, or if you are following your own map and system, or the world's system -- you are lost!
Keep your eyes on Him. Love and trust Him. He will go before you. He will guide you. He will strengthen you. And He will work all things for good. Follow Christ as your guide, edging forward one stepping stone at a time in your everyday hike to the Promised Land. Choosing the guide is your decision, so choose well.
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Editor's note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater United Methodist Church. He can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 479-659-9519.
Religion on 03/21/2018