February 05, 2012

Held by God

Proverbs 28:18-28

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26

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As we rushed to catch a flight out of Brazil, rains pouring down the hillside changed the roadway into a river. Passing trucks threw sheets of water on our windshield and created zero visibility. Still, our driver refused to slow down. “Don’t worry,” he told us, “my car has good tires.”

In situations like that, I’d be more comfortable if I were at the steering wheel. But when I travel internationally, I find myself in the hands of others. Fellow believers drive me around, translate for me, and help me plan a meaningful schedule of daily events. I’ve learned I need to rely on the people God has given me.

I’ve also learned that everything doesn’t need to go according to my schedule. As a colleague said to me as we traveled together in third world countries: “Live by the motto, ‘It is what it is.’”

Living by that motto doesn’t mean I don’t plan. But it does mean I raise my trust level of others. Ultimately it means I raise my trust level of God and look for his leading in the unexpected twists of the journey.

Proverbs reminds me that when I put my trust in myself, I have a fool at the steering wheel. Ultimate wisdom is from God, and he uses the “many advisers” he has provided for the work he has given me to do (see Proverbs 15:22).

Whom has God given you today to help steer your way?

Lord, you are in charge of our lives. Thank you for the people you provide to help us chart wise and thoughtful paths. Amen.

About the author — Bob Heerspink

Dr. Robert Heerspink was director of Back to God Ministries International from 2006 until 2011, when he passed away. He had previously pastored several Christian Reformed churches. Bob loved to write and was a frequent contributor to the Today devotional.

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