THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER
In his book, Intercessory Prayer, Pastor Dutch Sheets tells a story about a captain of a ship on a dark night. Upon seeing faint lights in the distance, he told his crew to change course 10 degrees south. Right away he received the response, “Change your direction 10 degrees north.” That made him angry, so he re-sent another message, “Change your course 10 degrees south. This is your captain speaking.” THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER
In his book, Intercessory Prayer, Pastor Dutch Sheets tells a story about a captain of a ship on a dark night. Upon seeing faint lights in the distance, he told his crew to change course 10 degrees south. Right away he received the response, “Change your direction 10 degrees north.” That made him angry, so he re-sent another message, “Change your course 10 degrees south. This is your captain speaking.”
But again he received the same response, “Change your direction 10 degrees north. I am Seaman Third Class Jones.” Feeling insulted by a subordinate the captain sent another message, “Change your direction 10 degrees south. I am a battleship.” The final response came, “Change your course 10 degrees south. I am a light house.”
I am sure you got the message. Often times it is pride that hinders us from receiving the right direction. We think we know better or worse, we think we know best. Consequently we refuse to hear what others—or even God—say and we end up in the wrong place.
From time to time Santy and I meet with a former church member who recently lost his wife of 48 years. Every time we meet he usually has a question to ask, questions that relate to grief. And, every time Santy and I do our best to answer his questions.
This dear friend is much older than we are but every time we share a piece of advice he listens. Not once has he ever said to us, “You do not know what I am going through because you have never experienced it.” No, he always opens his ears and his heart. His humility has given me a mirror to look at myself: Am I as teachable as he is or do others—and God—find me the exact opposite?
Pastor Paul
But again he received the same response, “Change your direction 10 degrees north. I am Seaman Third Class Jones.” Feeling insulted by a subordinate the captain sent another message, “Change your direction 10 degrees south. I am a battleship.” The final response came, “Change your course 10 degrees south. I am a light house.”
I am sure you got the message. Often times it is pride that hinders us from receiving the right direction. We think we know better or worse, we think we know best. Consequently we refuse to hear what others—or even God—say and we end up in the wrong place.
From time to time Santy and I meet with a former church member who recently lost his wife of 48 years. Every time we meet he usually has a question to ask, questions that relate to grief. And, every time Santy and I do our best to answer his questions.
This dear friend is much older than we are but every time we share a piece of advice he listens. Not once has he ever said to us, “You do not know what I am going through because you have never experienced it.” No, he always opens his ears and his heart. His humility has given me a mirror to look at myself: Am I as teachable as he is or do others—and God—find me the exact opposite?
Pastor Paul