To compensate for a missed trip, I took the family to the JW Marriott hotel in downtown Indianapolis. As we left for home after our stay, I was approached by Jeff Walker (Not his real name), an employee of the hotel who assisted with guest parking. Jeff and I go way back. We attended the same University. Jeff was the star of the soccer team, the one everybody wanted to hang out with. He had the scholarship, the faculty confidence, the path to prominence, I didn’t. And here he was, asking me for assistance and confessing he still didn’t know what to do with his life. I helped Jeff with advice.
As I drove home my mind stayed fixated on Jeff. I also thought of Esau who, like Jeff, had the path to prominence. Esau was the first son and stood to inherit all of his father’s wealth and influence. Esau was the one taught how to hunt in an era when hunting was the most prestigious occupation. And boy, what a great hunter he made. Esau was the popular one, the revered one. Jacob was the one who just stayed home with mom.
But God seldom walks the path created by man. Man may select but God establishes.
Jacob got the inheritance after-all. The nation of Israel was born out of Jacob, not Esau. God and God alone appoints the path to prominence.
I say this to help you put your circumstance in the right perspective. Prominence, for this message, is used in the context of standing out. That you don’t have the path to prominence today does not mean you won’t be prominent tomorrow. In fact your past and current circumstance may be exactly what you need to be prepared for your future growth. That you are struggling to pay your tuition today, that your spiritual life feels like it’s in doldrums, does not mean you won’t get ahead tomorrow. Your time will come. Your righteousness will spring forth before the nations. The fact others got an early start, does not mean you won’t start. Align yourself with the will of God and you will be in good company. You will have His path to prominence. That truly, is what matters.
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand – Proverbs 19:21
Here is the report written by Pastor Lubhaya from our ministry in Punjab, India. Please pray for recently converted Christians as they face renewed pressure from Hinduism.
This is the report from our friend Reuben Rai in Nepal. He is celebrating 10 years of ministry.
I’ve enjoyed listening to Testify by Congolese gospel act Elite Mul (excellently produced by Kimz Beat). You can listen/ Download here