| June 2010 Stuck out on a Limb
When I was a boy I was always climbing trees, trying to get to the top to see what I could see. I think I was half squirrel because I was very good at tree climbing. I especially liked to climb a beech tree that was in the corner of our yard. It was the tallest tree around. From its top I could see over the other houses in my neighborhood and look at the sun as it went down over the horizon.
I learned a lot climbing trees. First, it was important to step on the branches close to the trunk of the tree, where they were the strongest. Next, it was important to go onto a branch that would position me to move higher up into the tree. Sometimes I would get stuck out on a limb. I would try to position myself to go up to the next branch only to discover that I couldn't reach it.
Whenever this happened I had to climb down a ways and choose a different branch and a climbing route that would eventually take me all the way to the top. Looking out from the top of a tree always gave me a thrill and a new perspective of the area in which I lived.
Our Christian walk has similarities to tree climbing. We start our walk seeing things from our perspective, and climb toward the lofty goal of gaining God's perspective of this life we live.
We desire to attain to all that the Lord has planned for us in life, all that we have the potential of becoming in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes in our walk we find ourselves stuck and apparently unable to move forward. It is like being stuck out on the wrong limb and realizing that you can't reach the next branch to move up. So what are we gonna do now?
Well, we can stay there and complain about not being able to make any progress, but that is a waste of time. A more intelligent thing to do, and one that I believe gives honor to our heavenly Father, is to stop and reflect upon where we are. We know we can't move up from here, but can we see an alternate route that will allow us to move forward into God's purposes for our life?
Sometimes we have to back up a bit in order to move forward. Backing up into the arms of Jesus is always a great plan. This can also be a good time to take stock of the condition of our hearts. If we are out of position and unable to move forward, maybe a time of repentance before the Lord is in order. Then with a clean heart and the direction of the Holy Spirit, we can find the right path, or as it were, "the right branch" that will lead us to God's purposes and plans for our life.
Let's Pray
Father in our journey into your will and purposes for our lives, guide us by your Holy Spirit to make correct choices in where we go, what we do, and in the choice of those who will accompany us on our journey. Show us if we are stuck or hindered in our progress, and if so, lead us safely back onto the correct path with you. Father redeem the time that may have been lost to us. Please cause the rest of our journey be a very fruitful time in your kingdom, and may your presence be with us always. AMEN
The mercies of God are new every morning. Move forward in God today!
May God Bless you with His great love.
Thank you and may you be blessed in the Father's embrace today.
Randy Smith
PO Box 549
Placida, FL 33946
Phone: 941-697-6564
 |
