Monday, September 22, 2014

Green Means Go! (Life’s Intersections 3)

Have you ever been in a line of traffic and the front car does not move when the light turns green? Very quickly horns will begin sounding from the other vehicles in line. The symphony of horns will continue, often increasing in number and volume, until the initial car begins to move forward.
In my last two posts, I have written stories about points of life when God is telling us to stop and wait for a period of time. As with traffic signals, the time comes for the light to turn green. When God’s signal light turns green the wait is over. It is time to move down the path that God has laid out for each of us.
In order for our vehicle to move forward, we need to take action. We need to take our foot off the brake and put it on the gas pedal. We need to place our hands on the wheel and focus our eyes on the road. When all three actions are put together, we can move smoothly into the roadway ahead.
When the signal changes in our spiritual lives, we must also be willing to take action and step forward onto the path God has set before us. It is not time to begin telling God all about the reasons why we cannot do what He is enabling us to do. Moses tried this approach and it didn’t work well. (See Exodus 4) When we have shortcomings and weaknesses, God’s power can be displayed through us. “So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).” (2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP)           
The appearance of a green light from God is not the time to succumb to the fears that assault us. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP) We have been waiting and being prepared by God for the task ahead. He has taught us well and promises to lead us in all things. We will not be alone. It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit—depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].” (Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP) We can walk boldly with Him.
The car horns that begin to sound when the vehicle is not moving are to encourage that driver (even if not kindly) to move ahead. When we need to take a step out, we also have a great encouragement. Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1 AMP) With the heavenly hosts and our brothers and sisters in Christ cheering us on we can step forward into our calling.
Throughout the Scripture God has told people to go to places He had prepared for them. Some of the final words of Jesus contained this command. And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].” (Mark 16:15 AMP) When we all walk according to God’s direction, this command will be completed.
So we follow God’s direction. We put aside our fears and self-doubts and take that step forward.  “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) Trust and reliance on God bring confidence.
If God’s signal light has turned green in your life, move forward. I am among those urging you on to fulfill all God has planned for your life.

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