AROUND THE NEXT CURVE

We live out in the country, roughly 30 minutes north and south from communities big enough to support 24-hour grocery, late night fast food, pizza delivery, etc.  We consider it a luxury and a blessing to live where we do.  We use the phrase "going to town".  City folks never say they are "going to town".  There are multiple routes you can take from all directions to get to our home.  But coming or going, every option requires you to drive several miles down winding, curvy, hilly, narrow blacktop country roads.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Those country roads can be quite a challenge when you are not familiar with them, especially at night.  If you make a wrong turn in the dark, there are no street lights to help you find your way.  

Every time you approach another curve, your headlights shine straight ahead into the dark.  The road curves but your headlights do not.  You can see what is on your side of the curve but not what is on the other side.  The other side is dark and unfamiliar.

Can I just tell ya something?  That's exactly how we feel when we approach the next curve in life.  We see what is right in front of us but not what is around the next curve.  And, there will always be another curve to approach as we travel the road of life.  

Maybe that is how Moses and Joshua felt as they readied themselves to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  They could easily see what was on their side of the Jordan River.  But, the Canaan side was unknown.  Moses told his people not to fear, reminded them that God would be with them, and that He would never leave them or forsake them.  

Just like Peter, when he walked for a moment on water, we take our eyes off Jesus and things immediately begin to go south.  In order to rely on the promises of God, we must keep our eyes on Jesus.  We will never "walk on water" in the abundant life God has in mind for us if our focus remains on ourselves, our preferences, and our circumstances.  We must be willing to stand up, step out of the boat, in order to "walk on water."  It is only when we stay focused on Jesus that we can fully experience the reward, satisfaction, and fulfillment of a life surrendered and sold-out to Jesus.  

Oh hallelujah!  What is around that next curve is of little consequence or concern when you keep your eyes on Jesus!

Prayer

Father, You have promised that You will always be with me and that You will even go before me.  Please forgive me for losing sight of Your promises.  Give me the courage today to keep my eyes on You and Your ways and to not concern myself with what is around the next curve.  Help me to be who You created me to be.  Amen.

The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. -- Deuteronomy 31:8 CSB

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