Friday, March 23, 2007

Train Coming

"If you're tied to the railroad track and a train is coming, pray to God for the train to stop.
If you're not tied to the railroad track and a train is coming, don't pray to God, get up and move off the track."

Our lives often feel like a train thundering down the track, carrying a load of problems. Sometimes we can hear the whistle blowing far in the distance as it works up momentum, and we are able to move out of the way. Other times we are distracted and oblivious until we see the flashing lights, warning us of impending danger. And there are moments when no matter what we do, we're frozen in place; trapped on the tracks.

Often when I'm praying I wonder: "Am I really tied down or do I have the tools to help myself? Is this a train I can stop, or should I merely step aside and wait for it to pass? Do I truly need divine intervention, or should I be asking for strength and guidance instead?

I think we often hold our own answers. Though we need to go to God for help in our choices as we contemplate life along the tracks, our minds and hearts are gifts given for decision-making in hopes that we can maneuver with care and wisdom on our journey. It's easy to think God is responsible for everything and that we can idly stand by and expect Him to fix all that is wrong in our world. But this path is a partnership. We walk side by side, using the judgment given us to make the choices within our power, then leaving what we cannot change in His hands.

Any time we are on the tracks, we are not alone. Sometimes we need His help to free us from the perils thundering down upon us. But more often we need to draw from His presence, to follow what is already in our hearts and to walk beside Him, to safer ground.

8 comments:

Mike said...

BLOG LOOKS GOOD!

Slone said...

I like this post, thanks!

Martie said...

This is so, so true. I love reading what you write here.....I missed you when you were gone and I am VERY glad you are back my friend!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great Post

srp said...

How do you always seem to know what to write that touches my heart. God has given you the gift of encouragement.

wingman said...

The responsibility of man or the soverignty of God? When to push and when to wait? When to pray and when to do? When to be calm and rational and when to just go for it with recklass disregard for all logic? It's the serenity prayer "...the wisdom to know the difference." Ah, there's the rub.

Networkchic said...

Such wise words. I think of all the difficult things I've encountered in my life, realizing that I could help myself was the hardest task of all.

Suldog said...

Thanks for visiting over at my place!

God is always there. I think He probably likes to see us use our own initiative, but isn't sad when we call on Him, either. It's become cliche, but I think it's true: It's all good!