Sometimes things happen too fast! We find ourselves in the middle of a precarious situation before we even realize it. In my experience, when things go bad, they go quickly!
For instance, when I was a late teen, I was quite thrilled that my dear friend and roommate had purchased a new red Ford Escort – stick shift. (Don’t laugh! It was the 80’s and Escorts were cool then). I became very excited since she had become excited. With her hard working job, she had earned this reward…a new car. She maneuvered the car beautifully – we certainly took our share of spins on winding country roads and local bends. I loved riding with the windows down and singing together at the top of our lungs. Reflecting back, I suspect I looked like some kind of peculiar Labrador with my head persistently stuck out of the passenger side window. Boy was that fun!
The day soon arrived when she offered to let me drive her car. Wow, was I happy girl! After my hasty explanation of which pedal did what, (She was making sure I knew the fundamentals) Of course I knew how to drive the stick-shift car! I’d seen her do it a hundred times. Piece o’ cake.
I followed her instructions; pushed in the clutch, and extended my left leg as far down as it would go. With toes trembling, I pushed the pedal down. Then with my other food, I gently pressed on the gas pedal.
Nothing happened.
I pushed harder with my right foot. Nothing happened except a grunt from the vehicle.
I gave it a deep push. Fred Flintstone style.
Bam! My driving skills immediately unraveled. The car went in reverse, not forward gear!
Kaboom! I had backed over her mom’s HUGE beloved rose bush. Dirt was flying! Animals ran for their lives! Don’t ask me how…but it seemed like it was the size of a tree (not really, but the brain can exaggerate fears!).
The motor stalled. I panicked. With my friend laughing and trying to coach me into forward gear, I tried and tried to move the vehicle OFF the rose bush. I couldn’t do it. We could see dirt flying and in my mind I’m pretty sure it was like a scene from the Wizard of Oz where things were flying through the air. I could envision those well manicured limbs and blooms flying off in a rage of debris.
I finally surrendered – I gave up, lest I totally destroy her mom’s yard. I struggled to climb out of the car without scratching the doors and my legs in the process. We switched seats. And without too much effort, she pulled away and off from this Redwood-sized rose bush. I was so scared! It was definitely unsettling for my nerves.
I later took full responsibility for tearing up her mom’s yard, beloved rose bush, and everything else in my path of destruction. Ah, what a beautiful moment. Her mom and dad listened to my disjointed ramblings – I felt the need to use the most animated and dramatic expressions I could muster. It had all happened so quickly, I really didn’t know how it happened. They remained completely calm through the entire ordeal of my explanation. I don’t recall what I said, but by the end of my re-enactment I probably blamed the bush for jumping out in front of me on purpose. (Kidding!)
Life is like that – things can spiral out of control before we know it. We are pressured on every side! Life Moment: The Christian is often battling against something in the spiritual realm, and may not realize it. There ARE spiritual warfare situations. It is important to pray for peace during these times! Are you feeling anxious, pressured and uncertain about how to cope with a continuous flow of stressful events? Does your life feel out of control? In times like these, let’s be reminded to focus our thoughts on HIM. Spend a quiet evening at home and I can almost guarantee a taxing circumstance is waiting to attack via your telephone, television, doorbell or computer. No one is immune today from a plethora of demanding or stress-filled situations originating in their jobs, relationships, financial pressure or a dozen other things on any given day. The world is at a constant state of unrest…but the Christian CAN and DOES have peace! We must know the fundamentals! Amen.
Stress is not found in debauched transportation, a broken appointment, a virus-filled computer, or children or employees that don't behave according to your expectations. Stress is not waiting on hold, being over drawn or waiting for anyone. These are just events. What makes them stressful is how we allow ourselves to react to them. The Christian can look to the Bible for help. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
I once heard a preacher say that, “Stress is not about what is going on "out there", but what is going "in here", inside your own mind.” That’s so true! So true, right?
The adversary is trying to pin us down and keep us distracted so that we don’t wholeheartedly serve God. We need to be aware of what obstacles and hindrances are working against us, in this spiritual warfare way. It’s those things that spiral out of control quickly! In His mercy, God made a way out of the dominion of the god of this world. (Note – little ‘g’) Through the forgiveness of our sins, and the power of His resurrection, we can overcome the pressures the enemy brings upon us. God has given us victory – over everything – even death, hell, and the grave!
Back to my original illustration – about 6 months later I had the opportunity to visit my grandfather. He lived several states away. He unexpectedly asks, “You can drive a stick-shift, right?” You know my answer…
A bold and resounding, “Yes!”
Look UP my friends!
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