24 November 2014

Not by sight ...


Greetings

It has been quite some time since the last post ... However, I had to take a moment this morning to share something.



This is a picture of my instrument panel … while I was driving yesterday

The first time it happened was about three years ago. So, when it happened again yesterday, I took a picture when I stopped at the red light. 

Now, despite the fact that I need to get the vehicle checked to find out why it periodically does this, there is a spiritual element which has been impressed upon my heart and serves as a reminder each time it occurs.

This instrument panel [but for the red line indicating that the vehicle is in ‘Drive’] looks EXACTLY as it looks when the vehicle is turned off and parked.

It looks the same … but it is not the same … because the vehicle was running.

So today I wanted to take time to touch upon each section of this instrument panel and its spiritual implications for those who may be experiencing some frustration in their life journey.

TEMPERATURE – The vehicle I was driving indicated that the car was ‘COLD’ although it had been running for no less than thirty minutes. 

Spiritually, this is what happens in life at times. Have you ever played the ‘Hot/Cold Game’ when you were a child? Well, the premise of the game is that something is hidden and you have to search it out. Further, there is one person who knows where the item is hidden and will help direct your steps by indicating whether you are ‘cold’ [which would be a good distance from the sought after item], ‘getting warmer’ [which would indicate that you are moving in the right direction] or ‘hot’ [letting you know that it is precisely where you are]. 

Well, there are times in each of our lives when all evidence that can be seen with the eyes would appear to indicate that we are ‘COLD’ or a great distance from where God would have us or from attaining the purpose that He has for us. But this is not so. Scripture tells us that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. (I Sam. 16:7) Well, if we are to successfully navigate these seas called life, we must follow suit. We cannot look at the outside appearance of a situation, but must look deeper at the heart of the matter to what truth is revealed. We cannot use situations to determine where we are in life. We must seek the presence of God and read the Word of God to maintain an accurate perspective of where we are in life. 

SPEED – With the gauges reflecting zero, any driver would have to guess at how fast they are traveling. Some may end up driving too fast while others may slow down, fearful that they are driving too fast. It might also give an unsuspecting viewer of this photo the impression that the vehicle was not moving at all.

This is what occurs spiritually. Situations and circumstances will attempt to convince you that nothing is working – that there is no forward motion – no momentum. However, you cannot rely on what is seen. The LORD is ever working on behalf of His people. II Chronicles 16:9 states that His eyes roam to and fro throughout the earth looking for opportunities to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him. He is working … even when you cannot see it or perceive it. And He will even step out of His standard operating procedures to bless you and bring about His plans and purpose. Jesus did this in the book of John when the Pharisees were angry with Him for healing someone on the Sabbath. And I love Jesus’ response: ‘My Father has been working until now, and I too am working.’ John 5:17 

Jesus let them know, in no uncertain terms that He and the Father are one … one LORD, one GOD, one KING - and that they are continuously working. It was true back then and holds true today. Therefore, we must reject the messages [visual or verbal] that state that He has stopped working in our lives, that there is no activity. He is always working.

FUEL – Being unable to determine how much fuel is in a vehicle can produce a degree of anxiety. As you try to determine how much fuel has been used and how much is left, it can become the deciding factor in whether you continue on your journey.

Spiritually, there are instances where all evidence would seem to indicate that we do not have what it takes to pursue the plans and purposes of God. There are voices and circumstances which scream: ‘You will never make it.’ ‘You will never overcome.’ ‘You are not strong enough.’ And all those statements might be true if we were solely dependent upon our own strength. But, we have One living on the inside, giving us all the energy, wisdom and drive to accomplish His will for our lives.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory … because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." I John 4:4

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

MILEAGE – While this is not critical to driving, if not working properly, it can be a frustration. For those drivers who have not made the technological transition to a GPS, the mileage counter becomes a much needed accessory when following a map/directions with mileage indicators.

Spiritually, there are circumstances that arise which would try to convince us that we have not made any progress; that we are not very far from where we began and nowhere close to where we need to be. This too is a deception. The apostle Paul understood this completely and was determined not to have his perspective ruled by his experiences. He recognized that he may not be all that he needs to be, but that he was no longer what he was. He had made progress [traveled some miles] and he was still making progress. The Message Version states it best:  “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back” Philippians 3:13-14

Interestingly enough, once this little object lesson was over, the instrument panel went back to normal. So what is ultimate point that I feel God was conveying [and what I believe He wanted me to share with you] is this?

We must walk by faith and not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7

You have come farther than you realize, you are closer than you think, God is still working on your behalf and He has imbued you with unimaginable strength.

Have a Tremendously Blessed Day!