It Really Was A Dark And Stormy Night

“…for such a time as this.”

So many writers have begun with the words, “It was a dark and stormy night.”    Yet, if I were to write the story of the defining moment in my life I would have to begin with those words.  A dimly lit, rain soaked street and drunk driver running late for work proved to be no match for a teenager on a bicycle; and in a moment my world changed.  In the aftermath of a horrific collision that left my bicycle mangled beneath the front bumper of a station wagon and found me with a broken leg lying in the grass, my focus quickly changed from school and Friday night’s game to life and destiny.  Earlier in the day I enjoyed the first day of school, the beginning of my  high school junior year.    A typical school day was followed by a late football practice, under the lights in anticipation of our first game of the season.  It seemed like so many days I had lived before, but it would prove to be a day I would never forget… a defining moment.

Biblical and church history is filled with those who were engaged in the routine of life when their defining moment became evident.  David was tending his father’s flocks when Samuel sent for him to be anointed as the future King of Israel.  Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress when the angel of the Lord appeared and commissioned him to lead the armies of Israel.  James and John were preparing for a day of fishing when Jesus' call changed their life forever.  Esther was a young Jewish girl living in relative obscurity when Ahasuerus, King of Persia chose her as his queen; a position that would afford her the opportunity to save her people from the evil plot of Haman.  Her uncle brought to her attention the defining moment when he challenged her with the thought, “perhaps you have come into the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther’s response is a model for all who desire to see God’s power in their life:  I will do what is right and “If I perish, I perish!”

Each one of us have our defining moments, those times when the ordinary has the potential to become extraordinary and our destiny can be forever changed.  The definition of our life is determined in large part by how we respond in those moments.  More often than not our decision will involve some risk, potentially a great deal of risk.  The temptation is to maintain the status quo, to avoid the risk, to play it safe.  Yet, those who have significant Kingdom impact and have become heroes in the faith consistently chose to accept challenge and see God take them beyond the risk to the reward.

History will show, should the Lord tarry, that 2012 will prove to be a defining moment for those who endeavor live as fully devoted Christ followers.  The risks involved in our faith journey and the challenge of fulfilling God’s mandate before us provide a huge platform for God to do the miraculous.... this will be an exciting adventure.

Trust God in those defining moments, take those risks when He presents opportunity, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through new territory.  An exciting adventure awaits!