Online Archives

Romans 10:1-13
BY XERXESER KAYOD?

Driving on the roadway, friends of mine were having a discussion about life. One suddenly blurted out, 'Life would be so much easier if we knew what was in store for us.'

He had been having a difficult time with the choices he simultaneously had to face: career, moving, friendships. It was all so over-whelming for him.

Yet my other friend?s response was, 'Well, I know with certainty what I need to accomplish. There?s not enough time to vacillate between options. If you have a deep and unrelenting desire for something, go for it. It?s what you want.'

We all find ourselves in this two-fold position in which we curiously want to seek out the details of our future as well as to confidently assume the role of pilot of our own aircraft. We want to direct and plan our lives on our own, especially when it involves something that we are passionately interested in. We will do all we can to make it happen. Waiting sometimes just isn?t an option.

Paul writes of the Israelites? passion for God, of their desire to live according to the law of God and to follow what they believe to be a righteous path. We all attempt to control our individual lives and somehow, even through trial and error, sins and temptations, to keep it according to God?s will.

What if my friend?s passions are honorable and good? Or what if his actions are not aligned with God?s plan for him? God?s design for each of us is so intricate, dynamic and unique. Our hearts may be in one direction, but God may have something for us that is completely different, and that can be frustrating.

The only comforting notion that I can find in that frustration is that God undoubtedly looks out for my best interests. I have made a commitment to trust and place my faith in what God has planned for me. As I am walking that crooked line, he is aligning things to make it straight.

We rely heavily on grace. We just do. It?s almost the default response to our less righteous actions. Paul writes, 'It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.'

During this Lenten season we believe that Jesus Christ died so that our sins may be forgiven and that we may be saved and have eternal life. How we choose to keep the commandments determines how righteous we are in our walk as soldiers and disciples in Christ.

So when we have our next flight, right before takeoff, we have to check with God, our air traffic controller, who?ll give us the green light because he ultimately knows whether the runway is clear for takeoff and landing.

And if you were wondering what my response was to our discussion on life, I said, 'Life would be so much easier if we learned to let go and let God.'

Xerxeser Kayod? is the youth coordinator at Ager Road UMC in Hyattsville.

A DEVOTIONAL
for the Discipleship Adventure

Celebrate: In worship this week, take time for worshipers to write a prayer for persons who need the Good News. Invite them to then lay the prayers on the altar during a time of congregational prayer. Give this some time, with soft singing of prayerful hymns in an unhurried, reflective atmosphere.

Connect: With a trusted sister or brother in faith, pray for someone who needs the Good News.

Share: 'The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.' (Romans 10:8) What word is on your lips? Share with a friend how God?s love fills your life with Good News.