January 5 - Rest Stops on the Road of Life

 Read today’s texts first: Genesis 12-14; Luke 5

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

• If we never step outside our comfort zones we’ll never learn to live by faith!
• The only true “Comfort Zone” is in the center of “the Comforter’s” will.  Are you “in the zone?”

I’ve often travelled across the U.S. on tour with my students.  Eventually we would get around to a discussion about washrooms (Canadian) vs. restrooms (American).  My arguments defend the Canadian expression for its dignity (better to point out the washing part than the activity preceding) and accuracy (you don’t go to a washroom to rest!).  On the highways, though, “rest stops” do include the resting component.  Interestingly enough, today’s readings in both the Old and New Testaments include references to following God’s call and resting periodically along the way.

Abe took a big step into the unknown, packing up his family and friends and heading to the “promised land.”  Jesus and His disciples made a similar sized commitment.  They all left comfortable stations in life to venture where no man had gone before.  What drove their decision was simple obedience to God’s call.  From most everyone I talk to, this seems to be God’s modus operandi – He likes to challenge us to live outside of our own resources.  Something about faith, I presume.

The other common theme from these two accounts, though less obvious, is the need to rest, remember, and recharge our faith – rest stops along the road of life.  For Abraham it was Bethel (12:8; 13:3,4), where he built an altar to God.  This is where he often returned to rest and remember what God had said to bring him to this place in life.  Jesus did the same thing, though not always to the same place because of His itinerate ministry.  It’s a passing comment in Luke 5 (16), but this theme is often repeated in the gospels.  We tend to overlook its importance, in the Bible stories as well as in our own life.  Let’s face it, resting isn’t very glamorous – there are no sermons, miracles, or testimonies to report.  The subtle truth is, though, you won’t hang in there long enough nor have enough power to preach the sermons, perform the miracles, or hear any testimonies without those essential times of renewal!

“Lord, I often like to take risks and stay busy for you.  I think I’m speeding down the road of life, covering a lot of ground, and performing great exploits along the way.  The truth is I’m actually moving quite slow, operating well below the faith limit.  Please remind me this year to take advantage of rest stops along the way, to renew my call and tap into your power.  If Abe and even Jesus needed it, I do too!”