In Training
By Vernette Kureck
“Show me your
ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you
are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
It was time to do some grocery
shopping. As I grabbed my cart, I couldn’t help but notice the miniature cart
with a four- to five-year-old navigating the entryway. What really caught my
attention was the extended pennant attached to the cart that read in big, bold
letters, “Customer in Training.” Mommy was in the area, with her cart, and
already giving instructions.
“Don’t block the doorway, honey, and
follow me.” And off they headed to the produce section. This little girl was now
getting instructions on how to pick various fruits and vegetables. With a smile,
she carefully placed them in her cart and was off to the next aisle.
It really pleased me to see the joy that
both mom and daughter were experiencing. And then I thought, Wouldn’t it be great if believers could have
a sign on them stating “Christian in Training”? That’s when I heard the
crash. The cereal box display was now all over the floor, and the little girl
was in tears. As mom helped her pick up the boxes, she soothingly talked to her
about looking where she was going and avoiding certain areas.
As believers, we truly are
Christians in training. Those who trust in the Lord seek His guidance. Because
He is the Savior, we want to learn what paths please Him and live according to
His truths. We are to have teachable spirits. Occasionally there will be a
crash or a stagnation in growth. But how wonderful is it to know that the Lord
is willing to forgive us and train us through that event? Through continued
study of His Word, a viable prayer life, and obedience, we are filling our
carts with good fruit. As we follow Him through this life, we are being
conformed more and more to our Savior.
No, we don’t need a visible sign. God
has set His seal on us and put His Spirit in our hearts. [1] We
start out with miniature carts. But as our knowledge and faith grows, we can
navigate the big carts. He is always faithful - - through smooth pathways or
crashes. We can hope in Him all day long.
GOING
DEEPER:
1. What pathway is the Lord leading
you down?
2. What
new truth have you learned?
FURTHER
READING:
Vernette and her husband Ken have been married 49 years. They
have been blessed with eight grandchildren. She serves Oakwood on the prayer
chain and with Family Promise.
[1] 2 Cor 1:22
