Speed bumps!
V24 n27
Speed
bump: a rounded ridge built cross wise into the pavement of a road to force
vehicles to slow down. (Random house college dictionary)
Speed bumps; an annoyance, or a help? God’s correction and chastening, a help in a time of need, or an annoyance and a hindrance to your purpose and plan for this day? When you see and approach a speed bump in a parking lot, do you see it as an aide or help to you in maintaining safety in your driving and the people around, or is it an annoyance and hindrance to the plans which you have? Your attitude of that speed bump, not only affects you, but also any pedestrians that are there.
How often does one see the speed bumps in a parking lot only as an annoyance, as well as a hindrance? Are they really any different then God’s Word? How often does one see God’s Word as an annoyance and hindrance to their life and lifestyle? Yet, one’s attitude to that speed bump, not only affects you, but also those that are in that immediate area.
Just as speed bumps are placed in a parking lot to control speed and instill safety, this is the same purpose of God’s Word. God’s Word has been given to us so that we may find and then navigate safely that strait and narrow path that will eventually get us to Father’s house.
How one approaches a speed bump, will determine what kind of affect that speed bump will have upon you. the faster one tries to negotiate the speed bump, the more jarring it will be on you and your vehicle. The faster you are going, the more discomfort it will cause, as well as a temporary loss of control of the vehicle. This is not only a hazard to you, but also to those who may be around you.
Isn’t it much the same with the way one will approach God and His Word? If we are always in a hurry, and never have time to slow down and hear all of Father’s counsel, there can be very dire consequences as an end result. Yet, if one is always in a hurry, in a rush, they will never want to take the time to hear the counsel of He who created the universe.
2 Timothy 3:16 Every Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for convincing, for correction of error, and for instruction in right doing;
All scripture (following and maintaining a proper course on the strait and narrow path) is given by inspiration of God, and it is for doctrine (His counsel on how we should be maintaining our course towards home), for reproof showing us how we have in the past approached and taken the speed bumps wrong, correction, the attitude and approach we should now take to the speed bumps, which the instruction in righteousness then gives us the proper speed and attitude by which we should negotiate them, and maintain a strait and sure course through this day. This will also then portray the proper example for those whom may be observing us.
2 Timothy
Without an adequate map, one will have difficulties in following and maintaining the proper course. The map that Father has made available to us (the Bible) has everything the believer needs to properly navigate and successfully complete the strait and narrow path. It will show one how to successfully cross each and every speed bump, and use it to and for our advantage, rather then it being used against us. It is in Christ that we are the new creation. It is in Christ that are hidden all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Thus why we are told to go before the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Father has granted us the grace that is necessary, and the mercy one needs to do all that He may ask of you. So as you can see, that Father gave you all of the instructions for your benefit to complete the course.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith.
This eloquent and confident testimony touches on the main points Paul has endeavored to say to Timothy: confidence in the grace of Christ; faithful transmission of the faith to others; the steadfast reliance on the blessed hope. (from Wycliffe Commentary)
How well have you responded to God’s Word this day? What kind of an example of the believer have you been, as you navigated the speed bumps in your life today?
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka
J
Copyright © 2002 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved