I should have gotten up earlier. Why did I choose a flight this early in the morning? If I hit one more red light I’m going to miss it. I will have to park in short term parking for a long-term trip. I just can’t miss this trip. I have to be at the meeting on time and there are no back-up flights. Maybe I should have gone the night before.
All of these thoughts were in my mind as I sped, a little over the limit, down the highway towards the airport. As the departure time drew closer, my chest tightened.
Then I caught an ear to the sermon on Christian radio. “Faith and patience are tied together”, he said. “Oh really“, I thought. “Yes“, he said……. “If our faith is in God we will have undeniable patience. The two are inextricably intertwined. If my faith is in Him and I have surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ, then I won’t worry about whether I make that flight.” Oh really, I thought, how does this guy know I am on the way to the airport. I listened further and more intently.
What if my making that flight is not in God’s plan? If I am totally dedicated to him then I should not fret or worry about the future, schedule wise, health wise, financially wise or any other wise.
This is a translation of the 23rd Psalm from a Japanese Bible. It says it all:
The Lord is my Pace-setter, I shall not rush;
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity,
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals,
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to do each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here,
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity,
His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance,
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows,
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours,
I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in His house for ever.
That gives life a new perspective. Let God be your pace-setter, your provision for everything and above all a peace about life.
By John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
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