Today

I was driving the other morning and a squirrel darted out into the road in front of me.  What do you do when this happens to you?  I have always made it a point to slow down for squirrels.  As you probably know squirrels tend to get confused.  When a car approaches most squirrels have this moment of panic along their dash across the road.  As soon as they realize you are close they just stop.  Then there’s this undecided twitching back and forth as if the squirrel can’t make up its mind.  Eventually it’ll commit to one side or the other, either accomplishing the original mission or returning to try again.  If you slow down, then you get to watch this “dance.”  If you don’t slow down then chances are that you will either hit the squirrel during it’s pause or when it attempts to get to whichever side of the road is farthest away.  

We too often approach discipleship like a squirrel trying to cross a road. We start out pretty excited about following Jesus. Those first few “road crossings” along the way may be easy, but there will inevitably be one with challenges…like a car barreling down the road. Over time we learn to panic—we think too much—and return to the side of the road most familiar.

“Sorry God, I’ll try again tomorrow!”

“Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭CEB

Jesus prays that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  This is a pretty fundamental part of His entire ministry and bringing God’s will to fruition here on earth, fulfilling Jesus’ call, is entirely dependent on our participation.  If it is hard to see God’s Kingdom clearly today it is because too many “believers” are standing safely on the side of the road waiting until tomorrow.

The thing is, nine times out of ten, that squirrel is going to be fine if it maintains its speed and direction. Follow Jesus. When you encounter challenges, keep your eyes focused on where God is leading and push through them! Yes, there will be another day, another opportunity, but the world needs us all on God’s heels today!