Waiting for My Ship to Come In

If you haven’t noticed yet there is a theme running through this series. January’s theme is actually encouragement. I want the whole month to work on that voice that says, “I can’t”. You may have also noticed a common thread in passages. The first two devotionals had passages from Philippians; this one will as well. I have different books of the Bible for different thoughts but my favorite book to look for encouragement is Philippians. It’s a short read, 4 chapters, but there is just so much there to help you press on.  I seriously read the whole book when I know I’m thinking negative thoughts.

This week I want to talk about the past. We have a tendency to not see the past as it truly was. We romanticize what our lives used to be, especially when we are having a bad day in the here and now. Last week, I committed myself to better self-care only to end up with a week of set-backs and sick days. It was so very easy to look back and say, “Last time I tried to do this, it was so much easier.” But when I really examine it, I know, that is a lie, brought down on me by the Devil. It is secretly sending that voice of “I can’t” without me even realizing it. 

Before Christmas, it seemed so many of my friends were struggling. This devotional series was already on my mind, so I tried to post some words of encouragement.  A very dear friend and mentor replied to remember that in a car, you have this huge windshield and this tiny rear view mirror. I love the object lesson there and if you ever look out your side mirrors, you know you are seeing a distorted image, designed to be able to see more of what is going on behind you at once. Again, seeing all of the good in our past all at once isn’t really how it normally happened. 

That all being said, we still need to remember our pasts, as they are what has helped us to where we are today—good or bad, it is part of our fabric. We do need to be careful though to not live in the past, or dwell on what our lives were like in our so called glory days. I find it easy to fall victim to this, but I have to remember that distorted view. Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Message version)  I don’t think Paul is saying never think about our history, but not to let yesterday have an impact on today. If I had a setback yesterday, today is my chance to make it right. The rest of that verse says to keep your eye on the goal. That is really what our whole existence should be about, reaching for Him; reaching for everything He has set out there for us. 

So, I have clients that I say have “ship syndrome”. They are waiting for their ship to come in and then everything will be okay. I have to admit, I used to do that a lot too. Then it dawned on me. I DON'T HAVE A SHIP….. Before I can get that ship to come in, I have to build it. If it’s your self-image you are working on, that means taking care of you today. Don’t neglect yourself today, that puts a board on your ship. If it is money, see how well you can keep your budget today; that is another board on your ship. BUILD THAT SHIP.

One of my friends that I mentioned inspired this blog is getting ready for a marathon. She had a really hard run this week and seriously thought about quitting. She is running to raise money for breast cancer research. God turned her thoughts to those who couldn’t just quit as they battle this horrible disease. She did 25.9 miles at one time, which was her goal. Her last comment was she did it with lots of walking, and thinking, and praying.  She made the statement she wasn’t really built for this. She doesn’t really look like she could run a marathon. I beg to differ, Kiddo, and am so very proud of you. This week is now one of rejoicing for her instead of defeat. 

Always remember, even if you don’t have your plan in place, God does. Ask Him when you don’t know how you are supposed to tackle something. I have one last verse for today.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

There it is, He knows our ways, and we need to listen. 

I have a song for this week as well. Music is a huge part of my life and I feel like a simple song can sometimes do more than a half hour of preaching, teaching, reading, etc.

So, to take you on your way today, here is Point of Grace with How You Live. 

Remember to turn up the music, take a few chances, BUILD YOUR SHIP, and stop looking back thinking it was better then.