"Caution Ahead: Fork in the Road"
What is God's will upon my life?
What is my "purpose" in life?
In 1974, as a teenager, these questions troubled me immensely.
Like people around the world, I was facing decisions about "the road of life" and I felt the immense burden of seeing choices and choosing correctly.
In high-school, I prayed much and wept profusely over these decisions.
I sought counsel from parents, pastors, counselors, older siblings, and trusted friends.
Yet, I was dissatisfied with their answers, because I didn't perceive in their counsel inclusion of my core priority.
They were answering a spiritual question with a natural answer.
"To the degree that I could understand and choose, my chief goal was "to be obedient and pleasing to the Lord."
Now, I am an old retired lady, looking back over "the road of life" and have a much clearer perspective that might help others as they also wrestle with those same decisions.
"Ready or Not, We MUST Choose:"
Over the years, I have wrestled with the inevitable decisions as I have faced "forks in the road" with life altering consequences that were set before me.
These "Forks in the Road" certainly were not of my choosing.
They sprang up with changes I had NOT chosen, such as:
Community or national economic tsunami failure like Flint, Michigan in 1980 era
Global recession of 2008 with endemic bank failures and foreclosures
Personal health diagnoses with long-term recovery, permanent deficits, terminal diagnosis.
Family health diagnoses like strokes, sudden chronic disability,
Job losses, and even the loss of entire economic sectors
Business losses
et. al.
"Ahead: Fork in the Road"
Now I am a much older retiree, and can help point out how He might lead you.
Do you have any dreams that you remember being repetitive during your childhood? Dreams that made no sense then; dreams that you didn't think meant much? (Like Joseph with the sun moon and stars, he had no idea what the surrounding story would be). Often those were prophetic, but were not very clear to our dull ears and darkened minds. It might bring you comfort and confidence to understand what they meant.
Law of Progression:
"For the earth brings forth fruit of herself;first the blade, then the ear,after that the full corn in the ear." Mark 4:28
Scripturally, there are ways that will help you. You will see the "law of progression" operating that has been operating in your life over the years.It is this principle:
Your aptitudes and inclinations are something God gave you as equipment for use over your life journey on earth.
Seeing or perceiving "a door of opportunity" is frequently because God has opened your eyes to SEE it.Pray that He open every door you should go through, and close every door you shouldn't.Then, when we see a "door of opportunity" you can "rattle the door handle" to see if it is open or closed. If it is closed, be at peace, as God has closed it. If it is open, then confidently go through and begin as God has opened the door.
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"If you do not find salvation in Christ, you will never find it elsewhere."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an English Particular Baptist preacher. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, to some of whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers".
Born: 19 June 1834, Kelvedon
Died: 31 January 1892 (age 57 years), London
Early Start in Preaching: Charles H. Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, England. He began preaching at a very young age and, at 19, became the pastor of the New Park Street Chapel in London, which later became the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Influential Baptist Preacher: Spurgeon is often referred to as the "Prince of Preachers." His eloquence, deep theological insights, and charismatic preaching style drew large congregations. Despite being a Baptist, his influence extended across denominational lines.
Prolific Author: Besides his preaching, Spurgeon was a prolific author. He wrote numerous sermons, articles, and books. One of his most famous works is "The Treasury of David," a commentary on the Book of Psalms. His writings continue to be widely read and studied.
Founding of the Pastors' College: Spurgeon founded the Pastors' College in London in 1856 to train ministers. He was deeply committed to equipping the next generation of preachers and leaders for effective ministry. The college aimed to provide practical training for pastors.
Controversies and Theological Legacy: Spurgeon was involved in various controversies during his lifetime, including the Downgrade Controversy, where he expressed concerns about the perceived theological drift in some Baptist circles. Despite facing challenges, his legacy endures, and his writings continue to impact Christian thought and preaching.
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And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
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