October 02, 2008

Commitment and Providence by Marcia Lee Laycock

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elemental truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man or woman would have dreamed could have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.Boldness has genius, power, and magic to it.Begin it now." Goethe

Let’s play what if. What if Abram didn’t pull up the tent pegs and set off from Ur. What if Noah didn’t pick up the hammer? What if Moses didn’t pick up the staff? What if Gideon didn’t climb out of the winepress and break down the altar to Baal? What if Joshua didn’t march around Jericho? What if Ruth didn’t go with Naomi? What if David didn’t take the provisions to his brothers on the front lines? What if Solomon didn’t build the temple? What if Shaphan the secretary didn’t read the book of the Law to Josiah? What if Josiah didn’t tear his robes? What if Esther stayed home? What if Daniel didn’t pay attention to his dreams? What if Matthew didn’t walk away from the tax collectors booth? What if Peter didn’t put down his nets?

What if you don’t take up your pen?

5 comments:

  1. Wow - what a great challenge. Thanks, Marci!

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  2. Our oldest son used to 'what if' to the point that my husband (unsaved at the time) forbid it. This boy would come home from school with "I killed a bug today. What if a bird doesn't get enough to eat because I killed that bug, and what if..." and on he went.

    That same son said the other day, "What if the prevailing view of the end times in American theology is influencing their foreign policy?" The ban didn't work; he is still thinking and supposing.

    Thanks for making me think too.

    "Go where grace entices you... perfection lies in this."

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  3. What if - ? My goodness, there are so many not so great possible scenarios that might have resulted from your examples. Marci. Hmmm...We would have no direction. And your final challenge...it motivates me. Thanks for making us think.

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  4. Good what ifs. Definately something to think on! :)

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  5. Chilling almost! Motivating definitely!

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