The Pain of a
Face Plant
June 10, 2002
I'm a barefoot water-skier--even though I haven't
ventured out on the water in a few years. I love the
exhilaration of skimming across glass-smooth water at high
speeds. I love the spray of water at my sides. And I love the
challenge of performing tricks without skis.
Over the years numerous friends have asked, "Bill,
could you teach me to barefoot water ski?"
I always answer the same way, "If you're willing to repeatedly
fall face-first over the water at forty miles per hour, I can
teach you."
Invariably, they say, "I'll give it a try."
Once we're on the water, most of them give up
after planting their face in the lake a few times--not a fun
experience. A few refuse to give up. They don't care how often
they fall or how great the pain--they're determined to ski
barefoot.
I've often contemplated the difference between
those who persevere and those who give up. I don't think the
issue is one of pain tolerance or courage or athletic ability.
I'm convinced the difference is commitment. Some guys have made
up their minds, before they step on the water, they'll ski
barefoot, and eventually they do. Others like the idea of
barefoot skiing, but unless it's easy, they'll give up.
When I teach someone to ski barefoot, I always try
to make it clear up front how bad it hurts to eat the lake at
high speeds. I encourage them to count the cost before trying
it.
In a similar way, I want you to consider the cost
of devotion to Christ. It demands saying "No!" to some harmful
behaviors and "Yes" to the spiritual disciplines.
Simply put, devotion to Christ demands commitment.
What prompts Mighty Men to make that commitment? I'm convinced
it's a vision of what they believe God can make them and how he
can use them. It's a driving, all-consuming belief that God can
and will use them if they devote themselves to him.
Jesus promised his followers great power--and he
delivered on that promise (read the first two chapters of Acts).
Today, I'm convinced the same God is ready to channel his power
through men who daily devote themselves to him. That doesn't
mean he will deliver them from hardship and disappointment (read
the rest of Acts). But it does mean if they are available, and
willing to trust him in the face of hardship, he'll enable them
to do the seemingly impossible.
Frankly, I think barefoot waterskiing is a cake
walk compared to walking with Christ. But the reward is greater.
I hope you'll count the cost once more--and step out in faith.
Together, we'll see God do the miraculous through us.
|
