Sometimes it is difficult to know what is really at the root of problems. But we do know that all things that happen in our lives have the stamp of God’s approval. (Romans 8:28).
After the mission compound/our living quarters have been broken into twice in the past 3 weeks, it is most easy to wonder “what is really going on”. But it is really at times as this that we find ourselves seeking the Lord, and knowing there is an answer.
This has not been easy to know what to do next to install more security around and in the property. With 12 foot walls, solid metal gates, and solid metal doors to all entry ways to the house, and that still hasn’t solved the problem.
We are excited that the masons are on the work site again, and we pray soon the conference center will be well on its way to completion. This has been a long standing project, and we look forward to its completion (and it isn’t there yet).
Life goes on September 14, 2007
Press toward the Goal September 14, 2007
“Let Your Eyes Look Directly Forward”
“Gade Dwat devan Ou”
Pro. 4: 25-27 “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Take heed to the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
Creole: 25-27 “Gade dwat devan ou. Kenbe je ou fikse sou chemen ki dwat devan ou lan. Chache konnen byen sa w’ap fè. Konsa, tou sa w’ap fè ap mache byen pou ou. Pa vire ni adwat ni agoch. Pa lage kò ou nan fè sa ki mal.”
The creole version of verse 25 is what impressed me… the direct translation is “Look straight in front of you. Keep your eyes fixed on the way that is right in front of you.” “Fixated” is defined as “preoccupied with, obsessive about; focused on, keen on, gripped by, engrossed in, immersed in, wrapped up in, enthusiastic about, fanatical about; informal hooked on.”
In Proverbs 4, we read that wisdom is supreme. It is the “prize” that is worth everything we have. We need to go after it, embrace it, hold on to it. Wisdom will reward us with protection, honor and splendor. What a treasure wisdom is!! Wisdom is found in obedience to God’s Word!
Apostle Paul in the New Testament shared with his disciples his goal of this practice. He said in Phil. 3:13b-14, “but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul believed in “straining forward to what lies ahead” and “pressing on towards the goal”. He was fixated on the way in front of him.
In my life today, I run a “million” directions at once. I’m busy with this and that, and everything and nothing at the same time. The last thing I am, is focused. My husband, on the other hand, is quite focused. He is in the army, and each morning he wakes up with purpose. He is determined on what needs to be accomplished, already forming a list in his mind. Good soldiers are disciplined. They are focused on their goals, whether that is health and fitness, family or basic survival.
You can tell a difference between people who are focused and people who aren’t. The fixated people have this peace and strength about them that other people long for. Many times, it’s the difference between success and failure, and the thing separating righteousness from wickedness, wisdom from folly.
Proverbs 4 calls all Christ seekers to excellence. We must become fanatical, we must not swerve or be distracted by things that lie to the right or to the left. We must strive to become people of discipline, people engrossed by the way of wisdom.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca said, “ No man was ever wise by chance.” Wisdom, like love and faith, is a choice. Wisdom presents itself in its truest form when it’s sought with a fervor and diligence. It’s never chance; it is a choice. Let us, as Christ seekers, make it our purpose; make it our choice to be obsessed with His wisdom and the way of righteousness. Let us be direct about our way, not given to stray from our destined path.
May the blessings of heaven find you and keep you safely in His care.
Until next time,
Rachel
