June 22 Course Corrections

The one who listens to a life giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. The one who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. ~Proverbs 15:32-33

The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakes me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. ~Isaiah 50:4-5

I am so grateful for the people who have loved me enough to speak into my life when a course correction was needed. Of course, the biggest course correction of my life took place when friends, and a Pastor, spoke into my life to lead me to Christ. I had really made a mess of things and had been heading in the wrong direction. In fact, when they spoke to me, I had actually stopped heading one way and was at a standstill, not knowing where to go next.

I suppose that’s one reason that I speak so often about Christians sharing their faith. It was a life saver to me: “The one who listens to a life giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.” It was life saving to me and I am forever grateful for those who spoke the words that I needed to hear. Yes, there was a rebuke. I needed to be told about my sinful nature, but the words of grace and mercy that accompanied the rebuke, made the whole package a life giving blessing.

Others have spoken into our lives at just the right time. A dear friend from Grand Rapids spoke at just the right time to help us decide to walk away from a house that we had been purchasing on land contract, to pursue ministry. His call came out of the blue. We hadn’t talked for months. And he did not know that we were struggling with a decision about when to go back to seminary. With his encouragement, we decided to let the house go rather than take out the mortgage and or wait until it sold.

Others were professors, encouraging me with what direction to take in my studies. Even going into ministry was only considered after a lot of advice and encouragement from those I had been ministering to in the lay community. God has used people throughout my life to give loving rebukes when needed and words of wisdom when applicable. I am grateful for God’s community that has provided so much guidance in mine and Kathy’s lives and ministry over the years.

When I have not listened, or thought I knew better, there has often been a price tag attached. “The one who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” I have certainly learned why my idea may not have been the best one, and I have learned to appreciate those who carry the sisters, Wisdom and Prudence, with them always.

I have learned to adopt the words of Isaiah each morning as I seek the Lord in my time with Him. “The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakes me morning by morning, awakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.” I believe that this is the attitude we should all have as we seek to grow in wisdom.

Then, we should always be willing to share what will bless others. Remember that a few days ago we talked about the fact that there is a time to speak. I’ve already said how grateful I am for those who helped me. Perhaps, as a part of your morning prayers you could ask the Lord, who can I help today? Give me the words they need. We are blessed to be a blessing, even in our words.

Prayer: Father, I am very grateful for the people you sent into my life to bless me with instruction and wisdom. Who can I help today? Give me the words they need. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Song: Word of God Speak