"When All Else Fails...."

“When All Else Fails….”

Have you ever been in such a hurry to finish a project that you didn’t consult instructions (or your wife—Karen’s unsolicited editorial) and ended up with a mess on your hands because “I didn’t have time!”? (I’ve just stepped on my own toes.) Longtime UCLA basketball coach John Wooden (see the previous posting “The Star of the Church” for a glimpse at his philosophy of life and leadership) once asked, “If you don’t have time to do a job right the first time how will you find the time to do it a second time?” This brings to mind the old but still valuable saying, “When all else fails, read the directions.”

How often have I (and maybe you) fallen into the trap of moving ahead without bothering to read God’s directions as given in His Word! Our Lord’s brother warns against making plans without considering God’s desires for us in these words: “…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:15, emphasis added). Taking time to pray and consult Scripture can keep us from rash actions and the resulting consequences. Even Israel’s godly leader Joshua experienced an unexpected defeat at Ai because he failed to ask for God’s help after He gave the great victory at Jericho (see Joshua 6 and 7). Several months before Moses had died and Joshua was appointed by God to lead the nation in possessing the Promised Land. In the face of this enormous task God encouraged Joshua by telling him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5). But He placed responsibility on His servant: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, emphasis added). Joshua learned from his sin of omission and in God’s strength led His people to victory.

The psalmist saw God’s Word as “…a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105). As our headlights illuminate the road ahead of us on a dark night Scripture gives us direction on life’s journey. But it can’t help us if we fail to read, heed and obey.

When all else fails, read God’s unfailing directions.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan