“Some neighbors just got back from a trip to England,” Stan began. “We had them to dinner last night so they could tell us about their trip.”
“Did they have a good one?” I asked.
“Sounded like a fabulous trip,” Stan replied. “It was their first time there. Also the first time of driving on the left side of the road.”
“That must have been an adventure,” I responded.
“They had a real interesting thing to say about that,” Stan replied, “something with a real application for my walk with God.”
“How so?”
“The neighbors spent a few days in London,” Stan replied. “Then they picked up a rental car so they could drive around different parts of the country.”
Continuing, he said, “When they were at the rental car place they were asking for directions on how to get to Salisbury so they could see the cathedral. Apparently, they were having a bit of trouble understanding the directions the rental car person was telling them, about going through the round-about circles, driving on a left-hand side of the road, and everything else.”
“Sounds like the making for a nightmare,” I said.
“Could have been,” Stan replied, “but it seems the Lord provided.”
“In what way?”
“There was a man there who was also picking up a rental car to drive home. He overheard the discussion the neighbors were having about getting directions. The man told them he lived out that direction, would be going by Salisbury, and would be pleased to lead them.”
“Wow!” I responded. “Like an angel!”
“Could have been,” Stan replied. “I don’t know about that, but I do know the neighbors said they followed the man through several round-about circles, got on the main road, and followed him until he motioned for them where to exit towards Salisbury.
Continuing, he said, “They were obviously very thankful. And their whole experience reminded me of what the apostle Peter wrote to me about paying attention to and following the directions of those who know until I, myself, know where I am going in my relationship with God.”
“He wrote that?” I asked.
“That’s what it looks like to me,” Stan replied. Peter wrote about paying attention to a lamp shining in a dark place until the light of Christ shines in me.”
Continuing, he added, “I was certainly in the dark about having a relationship with God before others told me about the light of Christ that’s available. Had I not listened to those who knew, I may still be wandering around in the dark. Maybe stuck in a round-about circle of life.”
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And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the free gift of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Thank you for those you brought into my life to tell me about the availability of that salvation. Thank you for leading me to listen to those who had gone before so that I, too, was able to go in the same direction of having the light of Christ shine in and through me. I ask for your help to follow your lead to share with each person you bring before me the truth of your provision so that they, too, may know you and your light. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Things to think (and journal) about: What does it look like to you, in your faith walk, to be open to listening to those who know how to lead you?
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Comments, questions, suggestions, and the like can be addressed to The Storyteller at: waiting4thetrain@gmail.com.
Waiting for the Train 