ROAD WARRIORS

“What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked him.
    The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."  "Go," said Jesus,
 "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his
 sight and followed Jesus along the road.”  Mark 10:51-52

A friend of mine just returned from a “road trip” up the coast of California. Just a few hours into the journey they encountered the first of many unexpected obstacles; an axle on their trailer went out. They spent the first night of their trip parked outside of a repair facility. It wasn’t part of their plan and it definitely wasn’t on their “top ten” list of sights to see, but they allowed God to be in control. Isn’t the same true in our lives? When we begin our “road trip” through life with Christ, it’s only a matter of time before we encounter unexpected obstacles that challenge our faith. I want to share with you a few tips that seasoned “road warriors” for Christ have shared with me over the years.     
 
Rent ideas…because they are not always God’s plan for your life.
“Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."James 4:13-15
 
My head is full of ideas; sometimes they are excellent and sometimes “not so much”. The key is not to quit dreaming or thinking, but to be willing to say yes to God’s ideas when they conflict with our own plans. God sees the big picture while we are limited by our sight and our faith. Consider what Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails”. We are foolish to think that we know better than God, so “rent” your ideas, until God reveals a different plan.
 
Own truth…because it never changes, regardless of what happens along the way.
 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:15-17
 
Unlike the stock market, truth never ever changes. And its value is guaranteed by God which is far better than any bailout plan of the federal government. Jesus said it like this, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6) and we know that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). When we study the “truth” of scripture, place it in our hearts and then live it in our lives we are on solid ground. Then we can then look at a “broken axle”, a shattered dream or any other challenge and make the right decision. It becomes not a question of “what” to do, but how soon can I “do” what needs to be done. Truth never goes out of style, it never wears out and is always ready to be used, no matter how traumatic the situation. 
 
Adopt attitudes…that are Christ-like in the face of adversity.
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:4-8
 
Attitudes are like faces, everyone has one and they are usually a reflection of our circumstances. When things are going our way we smile. And when times are tough we exchange our smile for a frown or even worse. As Christians our attitudes should reflect our hope in Christ and not our journey here on earth. It’s not easy and it’s not really that hard, instead it’s just a choice. Unfortunately, we often make the wrong decision. We would rather wallow in our misery than invite Christ to the party. That’s right; we choose to exclude Christ until we are ready for Him on our terms. You know, when we have our life back in order, but by then (if that ever really happens) we don’t really “think” we need Him anymore.
 
Discover friends…who are closer than a brother.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
 
Family is family and friends are friends, however family members are not always our closest friends. This verse tells us that family will be there for us in times of adversity. Often times we see family members rally around one another in tough times. It’s natural for us to protect someone in our family, but the verse also tells us that our friends love us “at all times”. On the “road” of life we need friends (even if they are family) who will stick by us all the time; friends that will tell us when we are off track, friends who know all of our weaknesses and love us anyway. And we need friends who will allow us to do the same for them. The best place to find a friend is within the local church. In the church you’ll find people who share your beliefs, your struggles and a willingness to guard your back when you come under attack.
 
Well fellow “road warrior” is your “axle broken” or as one of our friends used to say, “Is your ox in the ditch?” As you “check your pulse” this week make sure to include a friend. Ask them how they are doing, get a cup of coffee together or grab some tools and fix their “axle” before they have a chance to ask for help. Let them know that you are a “road warrior” for Christ who cares.