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By Rev Don Rivers
As we continue the theme of giving thanks, let us give some thought to those who stand by us as we walk through life. I am thankful for my friend and wife, Lynda. She has helped me, nurtured me, supported me and loved me. Who is standing by your side? Let them know how much their support means to you. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In racing we have a team surrounding us and when that team is working at its best, each member pulls their own weight. When one member becomes weak the other members can pick up the slack. However, that team will fail if the members refuse to give and take for the good of the team. Challenges in racing come and the team that is the most flexible has the best chance for overcoming those challenges.
In our lives we also face challenges. God did not intend for us to face them alone. When we seek His guidance, He provides for each one a helpmate to walk by our side. We all need help dealing with our weaknesses. That helpmate compliments us. They see what we don’t. They understand what we don’t.
Genesis 2:18; NLT; Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
God desires that each one of us to be yoked with that special person He has chosen for us. I have had the pleasure of joining couples together in Holy Marriage, the way God ordained. As I listened to them through the counseling sessions and in the ceremony I was encouraged by the love they had for one another. That love will carry them through many challenges.
Romans 12:9-12; NLT; Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
One of the things I struggle with is when the way things are planned out and the way things happen don’t agree. I am analytical in nature and think things through in a logical order. That is good in some circumstances, but not well received in others. I don’t always see the big picture. Lynda helps me put things in perspective.
Lynda doesn’t see things so black and white. She sees colors and feelings, emotions and experiences. Her perspective makes me a better minister, person and husband. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for a loving spouse that walks alongside me regardless of how foolish I am sometimes.
One of the great advantages to having someone standing by your side is that you have someone else to share the experiences of life with. The hope is that one can pick the other up and vice-versa. Lynda and I have become such a team. We are thankful to the Lord for putting us together. When one of us starts to go in the wrong direction the other is there to guide them back. We remind each other not to get caught up in the trap that is set to snare us by the enemy.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
God has a way of doing things that at times are difficult to see. Having someone to stand by our side helps us to see the things we are blinded to. We can help each other find God’s way in our daily life. We can encourage each other to refocus on the things that are right and ignore the things that drag us down. We can encourage each other to find God’s direction.
Isaiah said this…
ISAIAH 55:6-9; Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
You see our thoughts and ways are not the thoughts and ways of God. We need to focus on what God wants us to do and what God wants us to think. I know from personal experience that this is not easy. It is much easier when you have someone at your side.
If you have that someone, let them know how thankful you are to have them at your side. If not, I would like to challenge you to find such a person. It will help you maintain your focus where it should be on God and His ways. When the trials and tribulations of life come, and they will, you will do well to have a friend that will stand beside you. We all need a friend to help you move in the right direction. I thank God for such a friend.
Allow me to share from the wedding ceremony;
Marriage has been called many things, a Challenge, a test. Marriage is a life commitment. One in which we need to persevere. The pledge of love is not one to be taken lightly or without seriousness. A pledge of love is a pledge of your very life. A commitment that through anything and everything you will stand together, united.
What does it mean to pledge your life? It means that you establish your marriage as a priority over any of your individual wants and desires. Marriage is a relationship that requires your individual sacrifices; a relationship that will grow and prosper when you truly love each other unconditionally.
Life can be a struggle, a battle; love requires that we protect ourselves. We must put on faithfulness as armor. We must remember not to follow our heart because our heart can be easily deceived but instead to lead our heart where it should go. We must not accept anything short of victory.
Be thankful for that special someone God has brought into your life.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. 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.
