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By Rev Don Rivers
There are times in our lives when we have to do what we have to do. There are times when I was nudged by God to pursue something that had been on my to do list for many years, something I had put off for various reasons. Are there things that God is nudging us to do, but we refuse to listen? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We all have things that we want to accomplish in racing or in life. We set goals for ourselves. As we get older and the time shortens we call it a bucket list. Things I want to do before I kick the bucket. Many times those things require a little nudge or as the Beatles might say “A little help from my friends.”
I have heard many a racer talk about running this track or that one, racing in this division or maybe having a chance to show their stuff against the big boys. We all have dreams, things that we look forward to. If we don’t we should, life needs to be about the journey. We all need milestones to pursue along the way. Those places become the story, our journey, the final destination will arrive but we will be lacking if we don’t experience life along the way. Don’t let the final destination be the focus, life is best lived along the road on that journey. We have to enjoy the milestones that we accomplish along that road.
This past week brings the memory of our grandson’s birth. Things didn’t go as planned. At a family picnic Saturday night my daughter started the process that would soon bring our grandson into the world. We waited with anticipation for that call. It came around 9:30 pm; they were on their way to the hospital for the doctor to check things out. The next message a few hours later announced the time was here. But it was the next message that challenged my faith.
At 3:09 am the word from my wife was short, Pray Hard! Things weren’t going as planned, there were complications. For a moment time stood still. I lifted my requests up to the Lord, I prayed for my daughter, my son-in-law and this new life that hung in the balance. It seemed like an eternity.
At 3:18 my prayers were answered, they were both fine. After an emergency C-section and some trying times Joseph Anthony III entered the world at 3:14 am. Our Grandson made a spectacular entrance.
It was special holding him for the first time, I had a grandson, someone I can teach, mold and train up into a God honoring, family leading young man. I pray that God would give me the days to see him grow into a young man and that nudge to make the time to be a part of his journey.
The path our journey takes is as individual as we are unique. We all have different thoughts, dreams and plans. But I wonder if we might be better served looking to God for that nudge and let him determine the destination. Scripture reminds us that God has a plan for us and letting God determine the steps we take along the road will lead us to a good and satisfying life.
Ephesians 2:10; For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is an ongoing process with a few nudges along the way. It takes practice, effort, and time to learn and tune our ear to hear the Spirit’s call. We need to make the effort to discover the direction God is nudging us. The more we follow, our faith grows deeper and the voice is clearer.
Matthew 7:7-8; NLT; “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
There is a process in learning how to trust God with our lives. Many times, when the resistance gets too strong, we stop pursuing what God has for us. I want to encourage you the reward is worth the journey. When we look back and see the hand of God on our life and how He carried us through we start to realize how much He loves us.
As I walked one of those journeys recently I encountered some decision points I wanted to share with you.
Priorities- Before every step we take we need to know where our priorities lie. What is most important and what is least. What honors God and what doesn’t. We get this mixed up a little but let me give you a tip; JOY, Jesus, others, you.
Pain and Suffering- No pain, no gain; when we walk with God it will require us to reach beyond our comfort, security, and capabilities. We will be insecure and uncomfortable. We will need to push through the boundaries of pride, ego, fear, and regret. We will need to trust God and His strength. His grace is sufficient and perfected in our weakness.
Discouragement- When we move beyond our capabilities it will take some time to develop newer, better ones. We need to protect ourselves from discouragement. If we allow discouragement to win it will rob us the blessings God has for us.
Perseverance- One of the most useful skills God will impart on us is perseverance. We receive this when we overcome the challenges we face on the journey. We develop this when we rely on our faith in God, not what we see and understand. Perseverance will lead us to the place of blessing. If we persevere we will see the hand of God.
Romans 5:1-5; Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Look at the blessings of walking down the road God lays out for us; Peace, Faith, Joy, Hope and Love! Wow, think about how that will change our life. God is good, He has a plan, and that plan will give us hope and a future!
Jeremiah 29:11-13; NLT; For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
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.
