That Could Have Been a Bad Day!

The sun was shining brightly. The warmth of the sun could be felt on my skin. Not a cloud in the sky and, the sky? Of course it was a deep sky blue that we are so accustomed to. There was a slight breeze, just enough to give the flag a bit of a wave.  It was the perfect day on the Colorado prairie to take the convertible out for a spin with the top down.

And that is just what my husband and I did. We weren’t going anywhere in particular, simply enjoying the ride and the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Not long into our drive, we approached a pick-up truck, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Then it happened. Out of nowhere, a door, yes a door, was sailing through the air directly toward us. Slow motion kicked in. It was almost as if the door was hovering. My husband who was driving had to make an instant decision. Speed up, stop, slow down, or continue on at the current speed. Which action would keep us from being hit by this runaway door?

As a NASCAR fan, I know the usual action when a driver is facing an accident. The general rule is to head straight for the wreck. Chances are very good that by the time the driver reaches that point, the cars involved in the accident will have already moved to a new location. I’m not sure what my husband was thinking at that moment, but he made the decision instantly. He didn’t swerve, he didn’t hesitate, he continued on without any change in our speed and we did not get hit by that flying door. I remember watching the door as it floated directly above our heads. Then as quickly as it came, it was gone. We both breathed a sigh of relief and my husband quipped, “That could have been a bad day!”

My husband’s decision to continue at the same speed and in the direction we were headed proved to be the best decision. He chose the steadfast route. The one that would keep us safe through that frightening experience. There is a lot to be said for being steadfast. Sticking to what you are doing and heading in your intended direction. Of course you have to know where you’re headed in order to be steadfast.

How can we be steadfast in our daily walk?

Ask for God’s help! Psalm 51:10 gives us David’s prayer. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” David realized that a steadfast spirit would wane with the situations of life and that only God could restore it within him.

Know that God will come to your aid. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” What a blessing to be able to approach God’s throne with this request.

What are the results of being steadfast? Psalm 112:6-8 assures us, “Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.”

Are you catching some of these phrases? “renew a steadfast spirit,” “restore and make you strong, firm, and steadfast,” “no fear of bad news,” “his heart is secure,” “trust,” “look in triumph on his foes.” What promises! And God can make these promises because He is steadfast in all His ways.

Psalm 111:7-8 tells us that our God is steadfast. “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast forever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.” I don’t know about you, but that spurs me on to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful!” (Hebrews 10:23)

By staying the course, sticking to the narrow path, we know we are heading in the right direction. I pray that these words would resonate in your mind when you are tempted to get off track. “That could have been a bad day!”

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna