Zigzagging Through Life Part V - The Conclusion

Zigzagging Through Life Part V – The Conclusion

We accomplish very little with closed minds.  It is simply amazing what we can obtain if we are open to new methods.  The presence of the Holy Spirit greatly aids us in resisting the temptation to settle for our normal, traditional and predictable ways of approaching life’s challenges.  Growth rarely occurs without some form of change.  Admittedly, making changes is often a frightening prospect on several levels.  Yet, the Holy Spirit renounces the fear that so easily and quickly paralyzes us.  He empowers us with the willingness to try a different strategy as we zigzag toward our dreams and goals.

Willingness in turn leads to the acquisition of a teachable disposition.  “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”  Repeatedly, we hear that phrase; perhaps we take it for granted.  Nevertheless, it possesses enduring truth and wisdom.  It does not matter how great and learned the teacher, if the student is not prepared and motivated to receive the wealth of the teacher’s knowledge and experience.  As it pertains to spiritual lessons, willfulness and rebellion, like that of the younger brother in the parable of “The Prodigal Son,” prevents us from making more straightforward strides towards the finish line.  A refusal to consider alternative options and strategies generally leads to many detours on the road of life. 

Humility encompasses the necessity of a willing and teachable character.  God rarely accomplishes anything in a prideful person.  Actually, the Bible declares that Almighty God resists and opposes the proud.  In contradistinction, He exalts the humble.  Recipients of God’s limitless grace appropriately understand the exact length of their personal resources.  Because they accept their natural and human limitations, they eagerly seek God’s unmerited favor and empowering presence so He may do for them what they cannot do for themselves.  The clearest and most concrete blessing of humility is the gift of God’s unquestionable faithfulness, which far exceeds our egotistical attempts to succeed via self-reliance.

The Holy Spirit often surprises us with unexpected blessings when we yield our wills to God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will.” Think for a moment of the many times when “coincidences” occurred perfectly in time, sequence, and setting.  Consider the innumerable times when you “lucked out.”  Recall the countless occasions when the right person entered your life at the right time with the right possibility.  These spiritual surprises materialize when we diligently partner with God and genuinely rely upon Him.

I offer to you my heartfelt and sincere prayers as well as very best wishes as you allow Almighty God to lead you as you successfully zigzag your way through life.