It’s a Short Trip Back
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.
Joshua 24:15
Jim and his family were privileged to spend a month on the island of St. Croix. Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix has retained a few British customs, one of which is driving on the left side of the road.
As they piled into their rental car, Jim, having driven his entire life in the United States, enlisted the help of his wife and two sons to keep him from driving on the “wrong” side of the road.
At the end of the first week, Jim noticed he wasn’t giving as much thought to pulling into the left lane when leaving their villa. By the end of the second week, Jim was able to navigate without concentrating too much on not making mistakes.
By the end of their thirty days on the island, Jim found he could drive without thinking at all about overcoming old habits. So much so that he wondered whether he would have to undergo a similar period of adjustment once back in the States.
To his surprise, it was as if he had never learned to drive left of center. It amazed him that on his very first day home he didn’t have to think about it at all. Driving on the right was as natural as taking his next breath, a seamless transition with no conscious thought required.
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It can be difficult changing the way we’ve always done things. This is also true in our walk with God. But once we’ve begun that walk, He calls us closer, inviting us to go deeper than we have previously ventured to risk. And each new step can feel awkward and uncomfortable.
It’s not easy crucifying old habits. And many times, for various reasons, we give in only to find there was no transition at all; we simply reverted to sinful ways.
Choice is precious to God. He calls it free will. His desire is that in every choice we face, especially when discomfort threatens our walk, we would willingly lay down our will and choose His.
Prayer
“Father, I willingly give You each choice I’m faced with today. Help me overcome the desire to revert to my sinful nature as I meet each challenge. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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