Let me introduce you to Casey. I have known this happy, delightful and jovial man for almost three decades. He and his beautiful wife Sharon are dear friends. They live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Casey has been involved at the highest levels of ministry to men in that country since the beginning of the Promise Keepers movement. He has invited both myself and Cindy there for dozens of conferences for men and couples over the years.
Casey is a gifted man but has one peculiar handicap—he is directionally challenged. In fact, many years ago I gave him the nickname, U-Turn. Almost everywhere we drove he would miss turns and a woman’s voice would come out of the dashboard and say, recalculating. On one occasion I remember being in the front seat with Casey driving and the wives were in the back. We were headed for a large church or arena where I was to speak to a gathering. We could see the event center but for some reason could not get there. After four or five U-turns I remember thinking, maybe you can’t get there from here.
It got so bad that I thought the woman in the dashboard was about to say, Casey, just go home. I surely thought she would become exhausted at all the recalculating she had to do to get this man to his destination. By now I am sure you can see the allegory building here. Sadly, this is a picture of where too many Christians are on their life journey. Before I unpack this let me begin with a disclaimer. Someone once said that if you do not know where you are going any road will take you there. I believe that is a true statement that should never define a follower of Christ. We should always be aware of His purpose and destiny for us.
That said we still have a problem. Let’s go back to Casey and study what is happening. He knew where he needed to go but for a variety of reasons became distracted and confused along the route. Perhaps it was the scenery—or the great conversation—whatever the reason he missed several opportunities to take the right route and get to the destination in the most effective way. Sometimes in life this happens, we may ultimately get where we want to go but how much did those distractions cost us by way of missed possibilities?
Sometimes I wonder how saddened I would be if I really knew the woulda-shoulda-coulda times I wasted. I wonder how many times that still soft sweet voice of our Lord was whispering in our ear, recalculating. The good news is God never gets impatient and will always find another course, but how sad it is that we often miss the best course. Knowing He redeems is wonderful, but the desire of my heart is to not miss the highest and best—to make the right turn at the right time, and as the Apostle Paul says, press on toward the mark. (Phil. 3:13-14)
So, what about you? Are there some turns in your life that you were late on or missed that you wish you could redo? Did some of those U-Turns cause unnecessary hurt or pain to others along the way? However, the most important question is, how can I prevent this from happening in the first place. Well, I’m glad you asked! It all boils down to a word and spirit issue. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Looking closely here there are two profound promises. Not only will His Word illuminate my daily steps, a lamp to my feet, but also it will shine a bright light, a light to my path, on that road or path to your destination. If you want to make sure you are going the right way you must be in His Word every single day and intentionally praying for specific direction. Being in His Word also brings about another incredible resource—His Holy Spirit. The very Spirit Jesus told us He would send to guide our lives.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10
I love this verse as it progresses in the appropriate pathway for the believer—as we are taught by His word we ask for and receive the leading of His spirit. A combination that will keep us on the right route all the time.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:11
Please enjoy this brief interview with Vince D’Acchioli on the history of ministry to men in America.