Getting on the Track

 

    When you first become a Christian, you may have no idea how this Christianity works.  You know you have faith in Jesus.  You know you are willing to do anything for God.  But, where do you start?  How do you get on track with following God?

    It starts with prayer.  Prayer is just communication.  It is like talking on the phone.  You don't see the other person, but you know that they are there.  You know they are listening and that you need to stop talking so that they can talk too.

    Pray for a mentor.  Pray for guidance in reading the Bible.  Some people pray and open to a random page and God will start talking to them through the scripture.  Some people use a systematic way of reading the Bible.  However you choose to the read the Bible doesn't matter as much as having an open heart and mind when you do read it.  You have to be open to the Holy Spirit.

    It is most natural to stop talking when you are in God's Word.  That is when you are able to get the most out of the conversation.  Now imagine how much He could talk to you if you memorize scripture to use throughout the day.  Or if meditate over scripture you read that day.  You can hear His voice all day long.

    Show gratitude for what God has given you in life.  Your life picture does not look like anyone else's life picture.  Other people may appear to have things you do not, but you may appear to have things that they do not.  It doesn't matter.  You are who you are and you are a gift of God.

    Be mindful with your life and how you live it.  You will have ups and downs, victories and losses.  Life is not perfect, but you need to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit through all of it.  Elijah ran away after he had a huge victory for God.  He went from the top of the world to spiraling into depression over night.

    Elijah led the people of his time into a Holy History.  He was blessed for his faith in ways we have never seen today.  However, he let unholy fear into his heart.  It is hard to fight fear.  It can seem so rational to be afraid.  It can sneak up on you.  Once it has a hold it is really hard to get rid of.  Fear will knock you off your track with God in a serious and tragic way.  It can put you on a detour that can last for years.

    Trust God.  He will keep you on your track.  He pursues His children, so you can trust He will not abandon you.  If you get off track, He is there still trying to direct you back.  Instead of hiding from God, face Him.  Admit that you went off track and start back tracking until you can get back on your track.  When you want to quit is when you need to dig deep for endurance and self-control.

    God will provide what you need in your journey, even if you are off track.  He will give you rest and refreshment so you are ready to get back on your tracks.  Learn to wait on His timing.  You don't always need to be in a rush, but don't become lazy either.    

    Waiting does not mean that you do nothing.  It means that you are learning, preparing, and helping other people before your time for speed kicks in.  Once it is your time, then you need to move.  If you give up before it is your time, them you are the one who misses out on blessings and seeing God's hand in your life in a very personal way.  If you listen and obey, then you will see God move in a big way in your life.

1 Kings 19:5-18, Proverbs 16:1-3, Isaiah 29: 1-4, & Philippians 3:15-21