Tag Archives: foresee

Rocky Road

On the way to see the wizard, Dorothy, Toto and the cast of misfits she picked up on the way to Oz didn’t always have a smooth journey.  The scarecrow, tinman and lion all had major flaws, but the company they provided on the yellow brick road was worth the risk.  Alone, Dorothy would have not been able to overcome the rocky road that the wicked witch brought forth.  Together, working as a team this motley crew, defeated the enemy, setting the witches servants free.

In life, I wish you could travel from point A to point B without any obstacles.  However, each day has its own set of detours, pot holes and road blocks.  One day you have a teaching job, the next day you don’t.  Others have seen marriage vanish before their eyes.  Meanwhile,  accidents, tragedy and illness ends the life of some way too soon.  Essentially, life is a rocky road with twists and turns that no one other than God can foresee.

Subsequently, the Bible warns its readers of the nightmares that greet individuals, James 1:2-4.  Although some suffer more than others, trials come in various shape and sizes.  Perhaps, as unfortunate events enter one’s life, faith and trust increases, forcing believers to climb, crawl or walk along a narrowing path, Matthew 7:14.  Looking back over the past 5 years, I thank God for the rocky road that I’ve endured.  As a disciple once said, “sometimes you have to go through fire to be refined for future endeavors,” 1 Peter 1:6-7.  May the rocky roads that you’ve encountered prepare you for future blessings in God’s time, Ecclesiastes 3:11

by Jay Mankus

Periods of Lull

Unless you are a prophet or have a direct line to heaven, you won’t be able to foresee the swings, twists and turns life will take you on.  Despite what you are currently experiencing, sooner or later you will come across periods of lull.  Like the eye of a hurricane, a pause in the action will allow you to catch your breathe.  This spiritual intermission serves as a hiatus, a time of reflection before the pace of life speeds up again.

According to Psalm 77:7, a period of lull enabled Asaph to return to his spiritual senses.  Although the storm which just passed ruffled his feathers, Asaph did not forget the true nature of God.  While the Lord’s favor might not have been obvious during the trial he endured, Asaph knew God’s promises to Israel.  Therefore, despite feelings of doubt, a break through refreshed his soul, Psalm 77:10-15.

Since losing my teaching position back in 2012, periods of lull have kept me from drowning, creating a shallow end of the pool, allowing me to stand before the next flood approaches.  As individuals begin to practice Psalm 46:10, setting time aside to take a break from the world, a spiritual rhythm develops.  Whether its early in the morning or late at night, Mark 1:35 provides an ideal setting to reconnect with God.  May you make the most of your periods of lull, Ephesians 5:16, seizing the moment to recharge your spiritual batteries.

by Jay Mankus