I remember a tag line advertisement of Chevrolet long time
ago, “tried, tested and true”
referring to their line of cars and trucks. I reflected on it trying to relate
as to what God’s plan is about and behold I got stuck with it as tag line for
my own Christian journey. It became especially relevant as it referred to what
God has been doing in my life. Looking back up to this time, God’s plan and
purpose in my life can best be described as “tried, tested and true.” I truly
hope that you can apply the same tag line in your life also.
The prophet Jeremiah provided us an important message that
God gave him in Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus says
the LORD: "Stand by the roads, AND look, AND ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; AND walk in it, AND find rest for your souls. BUT they
said, 'We will not walk in it.” Here’s God’s specific instruction on how we
can be sure that God’s involvement in our life can be “tried, tested and true”
especially when we strictly follow what He said for us to do. Actually, the prophet Jeremiah provided
us an image of a man in a crossroad: “A
traveler is going to a particular city; he comes to a place where the road
divides into several paths, he is afraid of going astray; he stops short, -
endeavors to find out the right path: he cannot fix his choice. At last he sees
another traveler; he inquires of him, gets proper directions - proceeds on his
journey - arrives at the desired place - and reposes after his fatigue.” [1]
In order to understand what “crossroad” meant, here’s some definition
I found from Dictionary.com to enlighten us: a) the place where roads intersect; b) A point at which a vital decision must be made; c) A main center of activity. I believe that
the second definition illustrates clearly what we need to embark upon in this
discussion. We need to see clearly and to see beyond the horizon where God’s future
is waiting for us to take. But sadly, this is where many fail to step forward
and instead get trapped. Many have missed the opportunity to seize the moment and
became content with the “status quo.” Always remember that God will always
provide us the right direction and the right people we need if we will allow
Him to do so.
Here’s an illustration that I came across from Robert
Richiardelli: “In the movie the Matrix,
Neo had a choice to take a red pill or a blue pill. Choosing the red pill
signifies that you have chosen to be exposed to unfolding truths of the
universe regardless of the pain and suffering that comes in the pursuit of it.
The blue pill represents life and truth as it is currently perceived, and
living comfortably deceived. You do not face many challenges by taking the blue
pill, but in the end, you live partial existence, to truth, with little ability
to affect change. The enemies of God always wants us to take the blue pill,
which numbs our senses and keeps us bound from hearing or living abundantly in
the truths of the Divine. So as Kingdom dwellers, we must choose the red pill
of God's unfolding mysteries.”
The truth of the matter is this: Whatever the situation you
are in front of, we are always faced with an unavoidable decision to make; whether
it is a major or minor decision, one way or another, there is always an effect
favorable to us or unfavorable to others or vice versa. Honestly, it is part of
our daily grind and not many people would like to be positioned in anything
that will have a direct effect on people’s lives. Unfortunately, it is
inevitable to do so. No one can escape the “crossroad”
effects. Anthony Robbins, a motivational speaker provided a summary of what it meant
to be at a crossroad, “You are now at a
crossroads. This is your opportunity to make the most important decision you
will ever make. Forget your past. Who are you now? Who have you decided you
really are now? Don't think about who you have been. Who are you now? Who have
you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make
it powerfully.”
Here’s the bottom line: Every
crossroad we face is an opportunity to see what God is preparing ahead of us IF we will choose to allow Him access
in our lives whenever crossroads of life occurs.
Let’s talk again!
