The Blakeslee Banner: Don't Get Derailed!

Have you ever set up a toy train track? I've done it a million times or more with my little boy. He LOVED toy train sets when he was a toddler so we have owned quite a few of them. I could probably set them up with my eyes closed. I love putting the tracks in different configurations. And once the tracks are in place, the most important part of the set up is making sure the train stays on the tracks. If the wheels of the train are not in line with the tracks, the train will fly off the tracks and crash. And if you've got more than one car on your train, then everything behind the first car will crash as well. But, if the train is set up correctly on the tracks, then it is fun to watch the train dance around the tracks through the different places it should go.

God brought this to my mind this morning as I was thinking about His purpose in my life. There have been times in my life when I didn't line up with God's tracks (plans) for my life. And guess what happened?!?!?! I derailed and crashed. It was not a fun experience, but I have to say it's because of my own choices and not by God's design. And, when I crashed, everyone walking behind me crashed too. YIKES! My own poor choices affected others. That really stinks!

I'm thankful that God is a grace-giving God. Even if we've derailed, He allows us to get back on the tracks. Today I feel like my wheels are on the right tracks. I am seeking Him daily. I am asking Him what His plan is for my day rather than just going about my plan. I am reading His Word, and trying to avoid the words that the world is trying to pour into me. I'm trying to surround myself with godly mentors to help me grow in this daily walk with the Lord. Life is not perfect, but I know when I climb up a hill I will get to the other side as long as I stay on the right tracks.

What's your train track looking like today? Is it the right track you are own, or are you headed in the wrong direction? Do you have only one wheel on God's tracks, or do you have all four wheels focused on Him and His plan for your life? God is a grace-giving God. Why not stop and ask Him to get you on the right track today? He loves you so!

Jesus, thank you for your love for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says You have a plan for our lives, and it's a good plan. Help me to stay in line with Your plan so I don't mess up my life and the lives of those around me. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and Your holy train tracks for my life. Thanks for letting me get back on the right track when I have taken my eyes off of you and crashed. I am amazed by the grace and mercy you extend to me. I simply love You, Lord. ~ Amen