Where the rubber meets the road…….
Some years ago the Firestone Tire Company produced ads that quoted the idiom; “Where the Rubber Meets the Road…..” It is a much used phrase, one of my favorites. Now to matters of faith. A dear friend of mine, someone you would know, a public figure in the world of photography, once said to me, I wish I could do what you do, I find it hard to openly share my faith! My answer to him was that God uses each of us in different ways to accomplish the same goal, to express to the world how much He loves us! Some do it by example, some by words, but not everyone is comfortable standing on a soap box, and announcing their faith. I don’t think God prefers one over the other, I think He prefers that we Want to share His love. He will guide us through the Holy Spirit on how to do, what He asks us to do!
This brings us to another key question; “How do we position ourselves in our relationship with Him to be able to serve Him better?” For me the answer to that came many years ago when I read a wonderful little book called, “Prison to Praise” by Merlin Carothers. The foundational principle in this book is to praise Him in all things. You have great success, Praise Him, you have great defeats, Praise Him, you are in deep sorrow, Praise Him, you have doubts and fears, Prasie Him. On first thought it makes absolutely no sense at all. However, there is a wonderful, foundational principle in this act!!! God’s deepest desire is that we trust Him, that we truly know deep in our hearts that He is in control, and will never do anything that is not in our best interest!
Thus the scripture; “For all things work for the good of those who love the Lord.”
If God is in all circumstances, and will ultimately bring what is is best for us out of them, praising Him is an act of acknowledgment that we trust Him. Nothing pleases Him more than to hear us say, “I trust you Father.” I often pray prayers that go something like this; “Father I don’t understand this circumstance I’m in, and I don’t like it very much, but I know you will use it for my good, and it will bring glory to you, so I praise you Father for your goodness, faithfulness, and your love.”
As Christians this is where, “the rubber meets the road”! Do we trust Him with our lives, our daily walk, our ups, and our downs? Want to gain some “traction” in your walk with Him? Tell Him you trust Him, and praise Him in all circumstances. Then, buckle your seat belt, the results will amaze you!!!
Blessings,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 at 1:31 pm
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This speaks to me, especially as I deal with my physical issues. It sounds simple enough but it is hard to put in practice, at least for me. The nature of the flesh wants to have its own way and that is the struggle. Prayers and encouragement appreciated.
George, I will pray for you, and I remember a number of passages where Paul said the same thing, that he was enduing much suffering and anguish in prison, but somehow when he released it to God, he found relief and even joy & peace!
I really needed that prayer today. Thank you!
He knew!!!!
This one really made sense to me. I feel the same as your friend. I too have friends who are very open with their faith and share the word similar to the way you do. But I’ve never been comfortable with doing it myself. What I try to do is be happy, upbeat and positive. I try to give the benefit of the doubt and keep an open mind. I try to help people when I can. In my line of work in particular I’ve found that getting stressed out over the work is useless. I try to look at the big picture and avoid getting angry over something that in the grand scheme, doesn’t really matter. If I’m working hard and doing the best I can with what I have then that’s all I can ask of myself. There are a lot of angry people out there that seem to be angry for all the wrong reasons. I think people in general are so afraid of being taken as a fool they’d rather stay cynical and angry.
I’ve noticed over the years that occasionally people will acknowledge my positive traits about me and it makes me feel a bit better that I may actually be living my purpose. We don’t have to stand on the soap box to share his love.
Thanks Pilgrim!
In fact, it is the everyday, love them the way He did, that gets the most profound results, good for you!!!!!
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your website
is useful. Many thanks for sharing!