Failing Is OkaySample

PATH OF MOST RESISTANCE Renowned German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer had to choose between a secure life in the US and returning to his oppressed/persecuted Christian brothers in Germany. He chose to come back to Nazi-controlled, war-ridden Germany. His reason is a classic example of a martyr spirit – “I shall have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people.” If you are like me, your default preference would be to do things with a risk-free, predictable outcome. The problem with such a risk-free living is that we are not really LIVING! We are merely surviving. C.S. Lewis rightly observes that we are “like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.” The path of least resistance is strewn with easy Hallelujahs. The path of most resistance is filled with dangers and doubts. Queen Esther was urged by Mordecai to consider the latter. She did, knowing well the illegality involved in approaching King Xerxes without being summoned. Esther chose to risk her life because she had the well being of God’s people as her priority and God placed her in a position to do something about it. God always puts His people in the right place at the right time to bring His plans to fruition. Where you are today is not by accident. There are things only you can do with the position and authority God has blessed you with. Esther prayerfully handled a complex problem using her beauty and wit. Likewise, our unique personality, coupled with prayer, becomes powerful weapons in God’s hands to cut through resistances encountered in doing His will. May God open our eyes to see that we are exactly who and where we should be for a time such as this. Prayer: Lord, I often lack courage to leave my comfort zone. Lead me in paths of righteousness, paved with resistances, for your name’s sake.