A Fulfilling Life is Found in Jesus and Reading the Word of God

By Geoff Wiklund - A story is told of an eagle sitting on a log drifting down the river. He knows that the waterfall is coming but is confident he can take off at the last minute. When the eagle launches off the log, the mist of the falls freezes on his wings, and he plummets to his death.

The story is a great warning for us. We might feel we can stop drifting through life at any time, but the reality is that we need to stop and assess.

The Danger of the Drift

The Apostle Paul writes, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12.

It is easy to drift and become sluggish. It requires no effort or attention on our behalf. But to live by faith and endure, requires a constant input of the Word of God. Men we are experts at doing nothing and just drifting along. But the will of God means we go against the stream and live.

In my devotions recently, I read this familiar passage, Hebrews 2:1-3, "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation"

A Lesson from Ghana (1986)

The verse has great significance for me. In 1986, I was in Ghana teaching daily to local pastors. Each evening there was a public crusade where thousands would gather to hear the gospel and be healed. It worked well until the next evangelist failed to arrive at the airport and suddenly, I was it.

I had never preached to crowds that large and saw myself as a teacher, not an evangelist. I was, at the time, assistant dean (in training) at a Bible College. After prayer, I chose this passage to teach from. My message was aimed at the believers who were drifting. Experience had taught me that many called themselves Christians but did not really have a regular time in the Word of God.

When I preached at that crusade, I praised God that so many people gave their lives to Christ that night. The second call was for those believers who were drifting, the response was in the thousands, and I realised the danger and extent of the problem.

Practical Steps to Stay Anchored

Solomon warns us, “Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man] – blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.” Proverbs 29:18 (AMPC).

The key to being blessed is to get into the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us on a regular basis. Pick up that Bible and get a diary and start writing down scriptures that stand out to you and how it applies to your life. Ask questions like, what is God saying to me? What does this look like in my life today? Then respond by writing a prayer, a call to action, or commitment that you will take that day based on what you have learned.

Let’s Pray

Lord, I confess that I have been drifting. Today I choose You and Your Word as my guiding light. I choose to go against the flow of the world and choose faith and perseverance to achieve Your vision for my life. Amen

Blessings,
Geoff Wiklund