Been down a rocky road?

On my resent trip out west, Sherelene and I rented a jeep and did some back country exploring in Arches N.P. I had forgotten just how jarring it could be to four wheel in the sand and over the steep rocky hills. In many cases no apparent road is visible, just what seems to be the best path. Often you get out of the jeep and walk up to an incline where you can’t see what is beyond from behind the wheel. After you are sure, well at least pretty sure, that you can make it, only then do you proceed. Life’s road is full of twists, turns and unexpected detours, often over rough terrain.

Let’s apply some “four wheelin’ logic” to life;

1. Be sure your equipment can get you there. If you go off road, you will need a vehicle made for that kind of journey. I wouldn’t want to take a four door sedan over these roads. Is your spiritual vehicle ready for life’s journey? Do you have enough ground clearance, (does the bottom side of your vehicle stay safely above the ground?) Will your suspension keep you from striking the rocks? In life do you have the guidance of the Holy Spirit through rough terrain? Is God holding you above the rocks of destruction in life?

1. Do you know your route? Do you know which fork in the road leads to safe passage and which to deep sand or water? When you get to a turn does your map clearly guide you around danger? The Holy Spirit is your guide to make wise decision that will steer you away from danger in life. God wants you to be safe and He has provided the necessary guidance to keep you that way. It’s up to us to use His gift.

1. Do you make good judgements about your abilities to navigate through the toughest terrain. We’ve all been guilty of biting off more than we can chew, taking a path that requires more skill than we posses. God can provide both the judgement and the needed skill if we listen for His voice when faced with a decision on which route to take. I would never four wheel without an accurate map, neither would I strike out through life without the guidance of the Word, my map for daily living.

Four wheeling can be a blast, so can life, but don’t attempt either one without the proper preparation. Preparation for life, starts on your knees……

the pilgrim

Photo Note: both images with the Nikon Coolpix P300.