There's a lot of talk of becoming all you want to be. Whether in a religious, motivational or business setting the emphasis is on determining in your mind what you want to achieve and then daring to move forward in pursuit of your goal. I'm told that taking risks and knocking on new doors in spite of obstacles are just two of the necessary steps to realizing one's dreams. In this case it's all about focused activity.
Then there is the other side of story and it goes like this: "Choose your rut carefully. You'll be in it for the next 200 miles". I only recently heard that expression and learned that it is or was posted on road signs in preparation for particularly rough sections of the Alaska Highway. The purpose was clear - to warn drivers of the dangers of straying from the safety of those ruts in the road. To me that sounds like supreme boredom, inertia and monotony. Necessary as well as admittedly much safer but dull to the max.
In looking at these two extremes, there's a lesson in moderation. In daring to take faith-based risks of trusting God even when we cannot see the plan He has for our life, we find it tempting to race ahead in our own wisdom without consulting His word or waiting for His direction.
On the other hand, how many opportunities have been wasted because we were simply too comfortable to undertake new adventures. Refusing to expand our boundaries or allowing difficulties to stop us meets the description I once heard of a rut: simply a grave with both ends dug out.
"Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
In moving forward, dare to draw upon His courage; in seeking direction, dare to pause.
