March 11, 2007

Sunday Fortune

An Endangered Trait

We used to play a game at summer camp in which we would blindfold one of the kids and have him or her run through a wooded area, relying on a friend for verbal directions to help navigate. "Turn to the left; there's a tree coming!" "There's a log in front of you--jump!" Some kids would not trust the verbal directions whatsoever. They would shuffle their feet walk very slowly, even though their friends were shouting that the way was clear. Other kids would trot along, and a few would go like gangbusters. All the kids though, had to fight the urge to tear off the blindfold so that they could see what was ahead. It takes a great deal of courage to follow another persons lead.

As Christians, we sometimes feel like those blindfolded children. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "We live by faith, not by sight." We are not alone in the woods, though--God will direct our paths. But following Jesus Christ demands an enormous amount of courage. Quite often his leadings sound illogical, irsay, "No, I think I'll just crawl back into my shell and play it safe." Then a voice inside me says, "Where's your courage, Hybels? Get up and walk. You can trust god."

Cowards do not last long on their spiritual pilgrimages. They shrivel up and disappear. It takes enormous courage to repent and become a Christian. It takes enormous courage to follow God's leadings in the Christian life. Some of his callings demand the best that you can summon. Some of his tests stretch you to the limit. Some of his adventures evoke great fears and doubts. Truly, spiritual courage is on the endangered character-quality list.

Author: Bill Hybels
Men's Devotional Bible: NIV

8 comments:

Stephen A. Bess said...

Faith, Faith, Faith! Yes, we must walk in Faith. Nice! How are you dear?

Luke Cage said...

Had to roll up in here because I haven't seen or heard from you in awhile. Hope all is well with a sista and that bizness too ;) Be well.

lyre said...

Happy Easter Day

lyre said...

Hi girl. hope things are well with you.

Emmanuel.K.Bensah II said...

Jenelly! Hope all is well with you! Long time...

Angel said...

I posted something new...

Vee said...

isnt that something...I agree...

Anonymous said...

hmmmm very nice blog

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