Sidetracked by Distractions

God has a superior plan for each person that is assured to bring contentment, thanksgiving and joy. His purpose for us is achievable. Jacob knew when he left his father-in-law’s home that he was to return to Bethel where he had met God forty years earlier, but he decided to stop at Shechem, falling short of God’s plan.

 

Getting distracted is not unusual. A young man knew God's plan for him was to acquire a college education which would equip him to serve God as directed. Near the end of his junior year, however, he left college to become a full-time evangelist. Years later he longed to go back and finish what he had begun.

Distractions are never in short supply when we're called to pursue God's purpose for our lives. As worthy as distractions may appear, they can sidetrack us from complying with God’s plan and purpose. So “turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full into his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” It’s something to consider wherever you are.  

Hope for the Future

Jacob, a grabber and a deceiver, will grab every opportunity to get what he wants. He’s mentally quick to strike a bargain with anybody, including God when it’s suits his purpose. Yet Jacob is convinced he needs redemption and deliverance from impulsive, shameful behavior, so he promises to honor and serve God and give Him a tenth of his earnings.

 

Why would God take a person of such low character and promise him hope for a bright future? God’s grace is greater than our sins, so He sees far beyond the moment to what a person who has been redeemed will do to fulfill His purposes. Consider Peter, who in anger denied even knowing Jesus. 

  

It is our privilege to seize the day and realize that whatever our past has been, by God’s grace there can be a bright future for us. When to the best of our ability we commit our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ for redemption, we are no longer condemned but saved for eternity. Jacob could now go on his journey knowing God had touched him in a way he would never forget.

Milestones of Commitment: Don't Turn Back! - Part 3

The fact that you’re alive indicates that faith and hope are possible for your future. There will be difficult times when circumstances require courage as you come to a crossroads where godly choices are critical. No matter how secure you feel nor how free from trouble you’ve been, life insures that changes will be required somewhere in the future.

Everyone has or will have crossroads experiences that challenge your purpose for living. Reaching a milestone is a point of departure from the old way and is indicative that real change is coming. Each developmental stage of life requires changes that cannot be avoided. While it's true that old, unhealthy attitudes can be retained, most people in time will discard these.

Maximizing a milestone experience requires being vulnerable to seeking God's best plan and then patiently waiting for his guidance. When your eyes, ears, heart, and mind are open and receptive, God will not be late or silent. It’s within God's character to respond to all who seek him, and he promises to be found. 

Choosing Commitment - Part 2

In a recent movie, a social worker tells a young girl whose life is in disarray that she can choose not to run away - she can choose to co-operate and try to make her life better. The social worker informs her she can choose to control her anger, which becomes possible as she learns to trust others to meet of her physical and emotional needs.

Some people's lives follow a pattern of disarray because of impulsive decisions. These choices bring unfortunate consequences. Anger can get a foothold and become the basis for life’s decisions, leading to disaster. In the movie, this young girl chooses to give up her fear and anger for a chance to be accepted and loved by a foster family.

Refusing to be controlled by negative emotions like fear and anger is an important doable decision. You can also decide to trust in God’s Word. Jeremiah 29:11 is a trustworthy promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Trust is a choice that produces positive change.