Pastor Brent was fishing at his favorite lake in Upper Michigan when he literally put his foot through the bottom of the canoe! As he struggled to get back to his landing point, God reminded him of several truths, including listening, asking God for wisdom and focusing on what is important.
Listen
Brent’s wife saw the questionable condition of their canoe before Brent left home and advised him to test the canoe out before leaving. Brent was actually a little offended that she didn’t trust his canoe repair skills. He was reminded to listen to his wife! Men, God gave you your wife and will use her to help you!
Furthermore, we need to be listening to what God says.
“For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears aways from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Tim. 4:4
In our culture, people are following myths, instead of the truth. They are making God who they want him to be instead of who he is. Truth can only be found in the Word of God – make sure you are reading it!!!
Ask God for Wisdom
As Pastor Brent was out in the middle of the lake with water pouring into his canoe, he asked for wisdom on how to safely get back to the landing point. Of course, God directed him.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5
So often we spend more time trying to solve our problems on our own rather than praying about them. God WILL give us wisdom as we ask him for it.
Focus on What is Important
The hole in the canoe was in front of the rear seat, so Brent and his son had to sit in the front of the canoe in order to keep the hole out of the water. This meant they had to paddle backwards. It was difficult because they couldn’t see rocks in the water. So often in life, we are rowing backwards! We’re stubborn, not seeking wisdom and limiting God.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Martha was focused on serving and doing great things, but she missed the most important thing! We need to make sure we are focusing on WHO Jesus is, that we are making Jesus known, and that we are taking time to learn His truths. As we do these things, we will be moving FORWARD in life!
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