On a desolate New Mexico highway, my electronic navigator said to proceed straight for 117 miles. For once, I could truly believe her, as it seemed that distance was in full view. Traveling at or around the posted speed limit, with tumbleweeds and satellite radio as companions, a red blur appeared in my rear view mirror. Before I knew it, a red corvette flew by. It was designed with those speeds in mind, but so was the highway; speed limits are not arbitrary.
As taillights grew smaller in my view, I wondered what it was like to push a car’s limits with the top down. Further up the road I passed a lonely gas station, with one car at the pump, a red corvette. Continuing with a full tank of gas, my 70 mph seemed somewhat pedestrian as the red flash went by again. Perhaps my younger self would have thumbed a ride and relished the breeze but I stayed the course. Relatively slow and steady may or may not win the race, but a shiny car loses its luster in a pile of twisted metal and fiberglass.
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. Galatians 5:7-8 NIV
The grass may seem greener on the other side of the fast lane, but it rarely leads to the same destination. We each have a path laid before us and though my path may make little sense to another, it is my path; walk your own trail, climb your own ladder.
Therefore, … let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith… Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
Do not envy another’s journey, whose lane appears faster, whose burdens appear lighter. God has equipped each of us for the miles ahead, like a full tank of gas on a long, desolate road. Some angels fly by in a flash of red, some sit peacefully in the passenger’s seat. Either way, you do not travel alone.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
If these words have touched your heart, reach out to me at John@LiftedKeys.com and continue the conversation. I would love to know where and in what way God has guided His words through my pen.
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