"Taking the Long Look"

 

“Taking the Long Look”

 

In 1977-1984 we served The Hancock Baptist Church, located in a small village in the southern tier of New York. During this time Baccalaureate Services were still held for the high school graduating class. The four pastors in town participated each year with parts assigned on a rotating basis. When my turn to bring the message came around I used the above title and chose as my text Hebrews 11:10: “Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” (NLT). I encouraged the attendees to look beyond immediate gratification, as Abraham had, and focus on God for guidance in future endeavors which He’s promised to give (“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”—Psalm 32:8). I number of students and others expressed appreciation and my prayer was (and still is) that they put the principle into practice. And that I would as well.

Let me share an example of how this has played out in my life. Around 2004 I read “Daws”, the biography of Dawson Troutman, who founded The Navigators in 1933 as an outreach to naval personnel in San Diego. Since then it’s grown into a world-wide discipleship ministry. “Daws” was passionate about memorizing Scripture and God used this to convict me that I needed to be more intentional in this area. But where should I start? I have no clue as to how this happened other than the hand of God, but He led me to Psalm 86, David’s prayer during a difficult period in his life, likely when he was being pursued by King Saul. At the time I had no idea that God would direct me into health care chaplaincy but over my 12 years in hospital and hospice work I used this passage countless times to bring comfort to patients, especially the words of Verse 7: “In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.”

I may not understand some of the goings-on in my life right now (maybe you can say the same) but through His Word and my experiences He’s taught me that I need to take the long look. Around 1948 songwriter Ira Stanphill penned these words: “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.” What better way to say, “God has this!” I can trust Him for my future—will I take the long look of faith?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan