Speak Out - Sidetracked

One night my friend and I were driving around the country roads of Eastern North Dakota. We weren’t driving anywhere in particular, or for any particular reason—just driving. My friend and I soon realized that we no longer knew exactly where we were. I wouldn’t say that we were lost, but you might say we were sidetracked.

Sometimes this is how I can feel in my spiritual walk with Christ. Today, it seems like everyone is busy every minute of the day. As a senior at AFLBS (Association Free Lutheran Bible School), and with the school year rapidly coming to an end, there are many things that I get caught up in and worried about. What to do this summer, where to live, where to work, where to go to school… etc. It is easy to get caught up, worried, and end up being side tracked from what should really be the focus of my life: Jesus Christ and His amazing love. One thing, among many other things I’ve been learning, is the importance of prayer. When I feel “side tracked” or worry about things I turn to the Lord in prayer. Whether to us it may seem little or big, He is always there to listen to and answer our prayers. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

I’m also encouraged as I remember that the Lord never gives us obstacles too large to handle. The obstacles we face can strengthen our faith. Every bend in the road that He takes us on is according to His wonderful and perfect plan for our lives. All we have to do is trust Him. When we as Christians get “sidetracked” or lost, God is always there, reaching out his hand to guide us in the right direction. “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:23-26

by Chris Gullikson
originally posted May 2008