The Most Important Word You Need to Follow in Your Life
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. ”
This is the title of a cartoon by one of my favorite cartoonists, John P. Weiss. Weiss’s important word calls for those who have found their lives at a standstill. Weiss showed pictures of a divorced man at a cocktail party feeling uncomfortable and lonely, a homeless man sitting on a curb, surrounded by empty bottles, a person standing in a dead-end job, among others. The word for each of these characters desperately needs to hear is START!
What if Abram and Sarai refused to listen to God’s call to start their new life? Imagine the Prophet Samuel deciding not to seek out and encourage a young David. King Solomon just couldn’t quite get the confidence to make his commitment to building the Temple a reality. What would happen to us if Jesus remained an apprentice carpenter rather than leaving home and gathering Apostles?
All these situations had one thing in common: the person had to START! It is easy to devise a million reasons for staying put, not stepping out into the great unknown. A friend decided to return to school and have a career rather than a series of jobs. Her life is hectic, with too many demands already, but she envisions a life for herself that requires further schooling. She considered her options, prayed for God’s leading, and, like so many faithful, courageous people before her, she stepped out in faith. She is tired and overworked but doing great and proving each day that she is capable and worthy of a better life.
Today, think about some areas in your life where you need to START! It might be going back to the gym. It could be ordering that language program because you always wanted to learn Spanish. Sometimes, one must STOP before one STARTS. If you struggle with drugs or alcohol, commit to STARTING to live free, which first requires you to STOP. Whatever you decide, make a plan and commit to it. Commit to START again each new day. Finally, don’t forget to seek the Spirit’s support. It may seem overused, but it remains true, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
