This morning I found myself driving through a little snow storm. It was on a two-lane road that was minimally plowed and fairly narrow as far as highways go. A semi blew past me headed the other direction, stirring up a cloud of powdery snow that made it even harder to see.
Have you had those moments? Those moments when you’re overcome by fear, and, for a second, you close your eyes and pray. “God, help me see clearly in this storm.”
I don’t recommend it: the closing your eyes part, especially when you’re driving. It makes it even harder to see.
And, whether it’s blinding snow or some other challenge you face, the last thing you want to do is take your eyes off of the road ahead. I already know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Yah, but when I do, I’m putting my eyes on Jesus. And for the most part, I agree. That is a good idea, unless you’re driving.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not opposed to prayer. I am opposed to prayer as a substitute for living. I am opposed to praying instead of doing. I am opposed to praying for clarity, when what you really need is courage.
Driving down that snowy road this morning, I opened my eyes and I changed how I was praying. I stopped asking for clarity, and I asked for courage. While I could not see a mile ahead, I could see far enough to keep my car on the road.
Psalm 119:105 is familiar to most of us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” But the broader context, the verses before and after, remind us that the truths in Scripture are there to guide us. They are there to keep us on the right path. Sometimes they may light the way, and sometimes they may only show us where to place our next step.
The reality is, whatever path we may be walking, God has given us far more information than most of us are willing to act upon. And so the Psalm continues in verse 106, “I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.”
So let me ask: to follow God’s righteous law, do you need more clarity, or courage?
Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” To obey, do you need more clarity, or courage?
Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” To turn away from your sin, do you need more clarity, or courage?
In Luke 14:13, Jesus says, “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” To serve the poor, do you need more clarity, or courage?
Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” To give up your pride, do you need more clarity, or courage?
I suppose it’s ok to ask for clarity from God. But don’t insult Him. Since He has asked us for obedience, perhaps, instead, it’s time to take a step. And as you begin to walk in His precepts, I suppose He may even offer more clarity.
So, for the foreseeable future, I’m not asking for any more clarity. I’m just asking God to give me the courage to be who He has called me to be. I’m asking God for the courage to do what I already know He’s called me to do.
What is God calling you to this season that you need courage to obey Him?
