Growing up, one thing my parent would often say is, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Way back then, I thought it was a funny saying. Now as I cross the half-century mark, I realize that it is waaaay truer than I would like to thing or admit. There have been times in my life, that I have felt the need to give a word of encouragement to a friend, give something to a ministry, or perhaps talk to a friend about God. But…. I didn’t act right away to the spirits leading, I put it off. I told myself that I could do it tomorrow. Do you know what the problem with that philosophy is? Yepp, tomorrow never gets here. I had put it off indefinitely. I watched the opportunity to do a good deed slip right through my hand like sand just because I put it off waiting for a better time. It was stretching me a bit, and I was uncomfortable. I am convinced that the one word that Satan loves to whisper in the ear of every one of us is “later”. He will tell you you can wait until later to let Christ have your life. He will entice you to speak words of forgiveness tomorrow. He will convince you that tomorrow you can speak out for the homeless or help the fatherless. He will persuade, you to look for a job tomorrow.He will deceive you into believing you can get healthier next week. He will let you think that you can start saving in a few weeks. The father of lies will declare, “There is no need to do it today.” Yes, my parents were right, "the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions". God says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor, NOW is the day of salvation. The absolute biggest lie that Satan will whisper in your ear is that you can do things later. Don’t listen and be deceived by Satan’s lies. Good intentions are not good enough. Saying that I was going to go to church; I wanted to visit my parents; I intended to start eating healthy is not enough. It won't change anything. Change only comes when we act. There are many blessings waiting for us when we decide to act rather than put it off till later.
As I was driving home today, I passed a person walking on the side of the road. Since it was cold, and snowy, I thought I should stop and offer the person a ride. As I drove on by, I was irritated with myself for not stopping. I could have and should have but I didn't. Why? I was scared! Maybe that wouldn't bother you, but I'm willing to bet there are things that make you afraid. It may be snakes or spiders that send the ticker into overdrive. Or maybe it's your job and finances that keep you up at night when you should be resting. Then again perhaps it's relationships that consume your thoughts and energy. As followers of God, we know that we are told not to be afraid. Yet we often are afraid despite everything we know. As I was driving away from a misse...
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