"In our natural life our ambitions are our
own. In the Christian life we have no aim of our own, and God's aim
looks like missing the mark because we are too short-sighted to see what
He is aiming at." (Oswald Chambers 1874–1917)
Can you remember what you wanted to be when
you grew up? And perhaps what is more important, did you become that
person? As a young man, my burning ambition was to become a concert
pianist. I had a great love of classical music, particularly the popular
piano concertos, and because my ambition was so strong I may have
succeeded, given the chance. But the opportunity was not mine to have.
My two sisters were forced to endure piano lessons (they never played
again), but my parents did not consider that it was appropriate for boys
to learn (sob,sob ).
Do I have any regrets? Not really, other than
a momentary thought of what might have been when I hear a CD or attend a
concert. I take the attitude that if I had followed that career path
then I would not be doing what I am doing now. The influences in my life
would be so different, certainly far less than perfect, and what would
my Christian walk be like, if indeed I had one? "Every man's life is a
plan of God" (Horace Bushnell 1802–1876).
It is true that when we are young we are too
short-sighted to see where God is pointing us. I know many in their
later years who still do not see that destination or do not want to see
it if that differs from their own objective and they do 'miss the mark'.
Recently I was invited to present my testimony at two church services;
it was a message of obedience to God's call, but it wasn't without its
times of indecision whilst aiming for that mark.
It is very much a case of 'let go, let God'.
Proverbs 16:9 says: "You may make your plans, but God directs your
actions" (GNB). Proverbs are not to be confused with promises. While
promises are statements that God guarantees, proverbs only state what
generally happens. Proverbs do not necessarily guarantee that in every
case the supposed result of an action will follow. Life is complex and
the proverb is not. In saying that God directs our actions we must
remember that we are allowed choice, a choice governed by our desire for
independent thought. It is that choice based on independent thought - a
shortsightedness - that can cause us to miss the mark.
If today I was a concert pianist, would I be
writing 'Word for the Week'? Very unlikely. If today I was travelling
the world's concert halls, would I be following the same Christian path
as I do now or would I be attempting to squeeze that walk between
airport lounges and grand pianos? Who but God knows. It is sad to see
people wallowing in self-pity because they feel that life has dealt them
a raw deal as they see their youthful ambitions fade. They have not 'let
go, and let God'.
As for me, I wouldn't change a minute of it.
As I write this I can slip a CD into the computer drive and listen to a
favourite piano concerto. The artist is probably better than I could
have been and God's aim is surer.
Have a good week. May it be all that you hope
and pray for. Don't miss your mark, let go and let God. (Optional Bible
reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-26)
Pastor Ron
This is one of a
series of weekly messages of encouragement, now in its twenty-fourth
year, originating from Gympie, Fraser Coast, Queensland, Australia. A
companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe via
email send to w4w2@bigpond.com with the words 'Subscribe Word (or)
Subscribe Word & Study'. Our ministry is free and emailing lists are
confidential. Tell a friend or why not put a note in your church
newsletter or pew sheet about this ministry - we welcome new
subscriptions.
Pastor Ron Clarke OAM
Word for the Week
Mbl.: +61 488 424 321
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