Strange Directions
I have had a little time to ponder where I am in my life, and I’ve come up with some interesting conclusions. First I told God early in my life I did not want to be in ministry such as a priest. Later I expanded that to include pastors. I fought tooth and nail against that notion. Then one day I was asked to teach a Sunday school class every now and then. Of course I said yes, and did so for a while. I eventually stepped away from teaching to focus on school more, even though I believe that was just an excuse. While I enjoyed teaching, I didn’t leave myself enough time to put lessons together, and I was trying to run from my enjoyment of teaching. I was running from my enjoyment of diving into scripture and learning the mystery of the Bible. I guess the question to ask was what was I afraid of? Well, that’s simple, afraid of getting sucked down a path I didn’t want to be on. God though, as I said thinks things are funny. I didn’t realize when I walked away from teaching I would miss it as much as I did. But God gets what He wants.
Some time would pass before I get back into teaching or preaching anything and I could see a difference in my life. Proverbs 21:2“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.” I knew in my heart I needed to get back into scripture and get back to more of a routine with the Lord, I just had no idea how far that would go.
I have seen how quickly the plan goes off the rails and how quickly the sharp claws of the Devil can grip a hold of someone and not let go. I was given a second change, or maybe it was a third, or fourth, but regardless, I was given another chance, and God has made sure to set my path.
I never would have imagined my life where it is, not ever. I never would have dreamt I would be involved with so many church or Bible study events. I never would have imagined that so many of my daily events would revolve around scripture. I look to my tomorrow and I no longer tell God my plans, instead I wait for God to reveal them to me. I can honestly say that when I stopped trying to walk my own way I have been happier, and more satisfied with life. While I don’t presume to say everyone’s path is that of ministry, I believe there is a path for everyone because scripture says so. God creates every one of us for a purpose and we may not always see it, or even like it at first, but giving it some time and you will find your peace. I never would have thought I’d be working with the Emergency Chaplains, or working towards being ordained, or ministering to people every day, but here I am. God’s got a great sense of humor, and for every big thing I said no, God said ‘Oh yeah? Watch this.’
If you don’t know your path this Christmas, first and foremost learn about that little baby boy born in a stable and placed in a manger. Learn about that baby boy named Jesus that came to save us from the hopeless tomorrow we once had. The darkness we were once wrapped in was broken after 400 years of silence and a baby’s cry pierced the universe and the greatest concert to ever be performed was played by the very Angels on high. It’s a sweet, sweet sound that of a newborn baby. This baby was no ordinary child however, for he was born a King. He wasn’t born a prince like everyone else, no, he was born into his Kingship. We all have a chance to worship that little boy, the king of kings, if we only give our hearts to Jesus we will watch our lives change. We will be born again as a new creation, and we will walk a new path. We will be different and we will have others look at us and know that we who’ve been washed by the Holy Spirit are different. It’s time to ask yourself what direction you’re going, and see if you’re walking with Christ or not. It’s Christmas, and no time like the present to give a present to the glorious king of the universe. Love concurs all, and we only have to love to love to use the greatest gift we’ve ever been given, salvation. Follow the light, you will know your path. The light is Jesus today, and always.
The Arrow Preacher 