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I Don't Want to Go Back

by Todd Tribble  
12/20/2006 / Devotionals

Are you a victim of opportunity?

Have you made decisions in your past that seemed like a great idea at the time, but they now cast shadows on your life?

Yes?

Me to.

The world we live in is addicted to the word “opportunity”. We are told that things only happen once and if we don’t seize the moment…we ultimately will fail. I have a nasty habit of waking up in the morning and spending the day analyzing every individual that passes in and out of my life. I am constantly wondering if this might be a person that holds a key to what my next step is supposed to be. The phone rings, the email hums, and the fax machine clicks with possible avenues that may take me closer to my goals in life. I agonize over decisions because I don’t want to make the wrong one and delay whatever my destiny is going to be. I look around every corner…trying to see…

“Hey!”

Oh no.

“Yep.”

It’s you again…I forget that you can hear my thoughts.

“It’s a neat benefit that comes with being God. I like it.”

Well, I hope I didn’t make you angry. I am just trying to write a devotion for my blog and thought that this might be a neat topic.

“Do you consider yourself a victim of…how did you say it…opportunity?”

I guess. There are so many different decisions that we can make each day and sometimes I make the wrong one. I don’t mean to choose badly but it happens more than I would like. The hardest part for me is that I truly want to do the right thing. I want to serve you the way that people are supposed to. I want you to look at me and be proud. The problem is that I am scared.

“Scared?”

Yes.

“Of what?”

Of choosing the direction that puts me back into the hole that I climbed out of when you found me. I was in a horrible place and you pulled me out…I don’t want to regress. I love the life that you have given me and I am afraid that if I take a misstep I might lose all that has been set in front of me. I just don’t want to go back…ever.

“That is not how it works. I am not a God who punishes people who stray from the light. Let me explain it this way. Let’s use the imagery of shepherds and sheep, okay?”

Sure.

“Imagine what would happen if the shepherd went after the lost lamb and when he found it…he killed it.”

That would be awful!

“Exactly. That would be a decision that would insert long-term damage into the flock and trust in the shepherd would erode over time. Why would he kill a member of the flock when he can simply carry the lamb back to the group and allow the little one to live and learn.”

That makes sense, but how do you avoid making the wrong decision? I want to know how I can make the right one? I don’t want to wander away.

“That my son comes from experience and being able to listen to your heart. Involve me in the decision making, talk to me, pray with me, and ultimately listen to me. This is not something that happens overnight and there are many times where you will stray and not even realize it. All of a sudden you will look around and realize that the rest of the flock is gone and darkness has enveloped you…and then…”

I don’t want to stray…just tell me how to avoid wandering off.

“Let me finish…”

Sorry.

“I don’t expect any of you to be perfect and I certainly don’t get angry when you make a decision that takes you away from me. The important thing to understand is that I will always come after you. When you stray…and you will…I am right there to guide you back to the rest of the flock. Even if you go to the darkest corners of the forest, I will find you and lead you home.”

I just want you to be proud of me.

“I am always proud of you. You are my child and therefore my love for you is unwavering. I want you to succeed and to live your life to the potential that I have bestowed upon you.”

This life is hard. I don’t want to go back to the way I was…I want to be with you.

“Have peace and let go of the pressure. Give your life to me, give your burdens to me, and allow me to lead you back to the light. Life can be easy if you allow me in it.”

Thank you…really…

“No problem...now get back to living…and don’t be afraid to start over…I will love you no matter what direction you choose.”

Name: Todd Tribble

Profession: Youth Minister at Hopeful Lutheran Church in Florence, KY

I have been writing for the last two years and hope that others can draw strength from my experiences.

Email: [email protected]

More writings at:
www.perfection-is-overrated.blogspot.com

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