Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Stay in Sync
Have you ever watched a movie where the sound was not in sync with the actor’s lips? That drives me nuts! Or have you ever ridden at night with someone who didn’t use their headlights on high beam? That drives me bonkers and scares me all at the same time. One of the important rules I learned in driver’s ed was to not overdrive your headlights. If you’re driving faster than the distance your headlights allow you to see clearly, you’re overdriving your headlights; so you might not have enough time to react to that unexpected deer crossing the highway. If your speed and headlights are not in sync with each other, you may find yourself calling 911 and your friendly insurance agent.
When Christ followers run into a patch of spiritual fog, we need to slow down and get in sync with God. We don’t want to overdrive our life and speed past God as He waves a yellow flag at us. He knows the perfect lane of life that we’re supposed to travel upon. Whether we’re two steps ahead, or two steps behind, our goal should be to match God’s speed. When we’re in sync with Him, the peace of God quiets our minds and rests our hearts. We can put our hand in His and feel safe like a little child. God knows the way out of the fog and we can wholeheartedly trust Him to work on our behalf. “The Lord my God holds my right hand; He is the Lord, Who says to me, Fear not; I will help you!” (Isaiah 41:13).
In this new year, it’s good to be excited about new beginnings. However, believers need to be careful that we don’t go off half-cocked! We need to avoid the mistake of not praying about a new venture simply because of our enthusiasm. It’s vital to pause and ask God what He thinks about it. “I am one of God’s sheep and His sheep hear His voice” (John 10:27). He’s faithful to give us either a green light or a red light.
Christ followers shouldn’t give in to the temptation of arrogantly thinking we’re smart enough to run our lives by ourselves. Life will see to it that we don’t have what it takes to drive solo. “Pride lands me flat on my face, but humility prepares me for honor” (Proverbs 29:23 MSG).
When we’re presented with a new opportunity or need to make an important decision, many times a friend will say, “Sleep on it and see how you feel in the morning.” This is excellent advice because when we’re asleep, our minds are peaceful, clear, and at rest from thinking. Right before you fall asleep, you can ask God to give you the answer you need. “When I am deficient in wisdom, I ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given to me” (James 1:5 AMP). It’s possible that when you awaken in the night, God will reveal the answer to you because your mind is at rest and ready to hear.
As believers read God’s Word, listen for His voice and obey, we are better able to stay in sync with Him. He is faithful to keep His promises and we can trust in His plan and purpose for our lives. Even when we’re in the dark, our heavenly Father knows every bend and hill on our journey.
The Key: Stay in sync with God and you’ll never overdrive your life.