When You Feel Derailed

 

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Me and my God-sized dream raced steadily along the track towards the Big Apple. Moving forward, my heart beat hopeful inside my chest, following God's lead.

Joined with faith and friend, my dream and I stepped onto the platform, wove through urban crowds, and soared straight up twenty-eight floors - ever grateful for steady conversation that drowned out the voice of doubt.

I laid down my words before strangers - the best I could write - set out in black and white. They lent kind praise and constructive critique and my heart beat steady. A few little bumps, but nothing that stopped me cold...until I rounded the next bend.

Melodic words wove in and out and around the second table; more of the same...until sarcastic, knee-jerk critique sent my world spinning. I held on tight and reached for the brakes as unthoughtful words derailed me.

I tripped and scrambled for comfort and licked my wounds a bit. "It's all part of paying my dues, I guess; part of growing a writer's thick skin, " I told myself.

But it was more.

You see, when we're traveling in the right direction - steady on in obedience to God's calling - and something derails us, there's one of two things at play (or both):

• God's teaching us something
• Satan's attempting to thwart God's plan

Certainly, my writing needs PLENTY of improvement. Those points were well taken, but what's with the sarcasm and public humiliation? My hot buttons. And Satan knew it. He knew I'd want to catch the first train outta town. And trust me, that's exactly what I wanted to do!

But I prayed and stayed. I prayed that God reveal HIS dream (not MY dream) and I prayed for God appointments; those moments that you know only God creates. God was faithful (as always) to do both and He reminded me of Paul's words in Philippians 3:13-14

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me..."

Feeling a bit derailed today or wondering if you're heading down the right track? Pray for God's clear direction and keep your eyes open for God appointments that speak truth to your heart. He is faithful. Press on.