I began this blog without knowing the “Big Idea” behind it. However, by the end of the day, it took a much different direction than I expected. The day I wrote it, we found out that one of the pipes burst in the ladies bathroom at the church. The front of the church was flooded!
Work
When I was younger, and interviewing for jobs, one of the things I said was, “I am able to do the work. I’ve got a strong back, and if I don’t know how to do it, I can learn.” This reminds about a job I held before Pam and I were married. There was a local company that bagged peat moss. Located just outside of Bellefontaine, they needed a loader driver.
So, I went to apply for the job. They asked me if I ever drove a front loader. I replied, “No but I don’t see any reason why I can’t learn it and do it.”
The other loader operator they had said, “It’s lunch, so let me run you through how you control the loader.” So, he showed me the controls and where to load my bucket with peat moss. Then, they set me loose in that big loader!
I really enjoyed running that huge machine up the hill and down the hill with loads of peat moss! I was just 15 years old at the time. Granted, I lied and told them I was 18! So, that summer I ran that loader until I had to go back to school.
Time
Other jobs came and went, and I would always say, “I can do it!” Usually, I completed the jobs as they were expected of me. I took pride in knowing I could do the work. But that was back in the early 70’s.
Now, it’s 2019 and a lifetime has passed! In my mind, I’m still that 15 year old kid that can tackle the world!
But in my body, there’s a different story. I retired in 2014 for health reasons. Later, I had 2 stokes and an infection around my heart. Even later, I needed a new heart valve.
I gradually discovered that I’m not that kid anymore. Instead, I’m a 60 year old man who has to admit I need a helping hand, especially after 2 more back surgeries and a spinal cord stimulator implanted in my spine.
God’s Plans
“9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
So I have to look at myself honestly. I never really was alone or did things by myself: I’ve always had people who gave me work references. So, as John Donne said, “No man is an island unto himself.”
We depend on parents growing up. We depended on our teachers to help us learn in school. Instructors helped us learn a job. Honestly, I can’t say that I’ve done it all by myself. As the scriptures say, a man can say he wants to do it this way, but God is the one who directs his steps.
Heritage Oaks
Even as a pastor, I find that I can’t do it all by myself. First of all, I need Jesus to strengthen me. Next, both my home and church family support me.
After the pipe let loose, and after we discovered the problem, we had to inspect the damage. The bathroom was flooded and the vestibule soaked. Then, the question became “How are we going to do this?”
But you know how fast God answers? A brother from the church showed up and said that he was there to help! Then, he stayed for hours making sure all of the water was cleaned. Also, my brother in-law came to repair the pipe not to mention the ones who loaned us their shop vacs to help clean up the water. That’s how God directed that clean up!
Friendship with God
“24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” — Proverbs 16:24
Think about this: God is closer to you than you could ever imagine. He is the one that stays right by your side whether you know it or not. So, next time you think “I’ve done all of this on my own,” remember that someone had to teach you. Someone before you was responsible for that task! Then, think of everyone who is actually there to support you now, to help you do the job you do. We have a friend in Jesus and as the scripture says,
“6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” — Deuteronomy 31:6
He will never leave you or forsake you. The only way you can get away from God is your own choice to leave. God loves us and will never leave us!
May God bless you and keep you in your life’s journey.
Comments