Stop And Do The Right Thing!

For today’s run, I wanted to take my favorite trail.  I have not been on it for a while, 

but this beautiful fall weather promised a wonderful run.  The trail was very secluded with several small streams to either jump over or use the wooden bridges provided.  However, several months ago, we had some unusual hurricane weather followed by some flooding which left some of the bridges broken and in disarray. I came across one such bridge on my way out (e.g. this run was an out-and-back run).  The bridge was intact, but the steps leading up to the bridge were washed away.  That was ok, because runners can just jump up or stop and climb up to go across the bridge without the steps.  Having the steps washed out was a little inconvenient, but runners were still able to go in the right direction and not need to turn back. 

On the return trip, I crossed the bridge again.  This time I noticed the missing steps were down the stream a wee bit. With a little effort, I thought they could be put back in place.  So, I stopped my run, got a little dirty, and managed to move the heavy wooden step block back to its rightful place.  I also tried to secure it a little better using an even heavier log.  I placed the log in such a way to divert any floodwaters that may happen to come that way again.  In the process I noticed I cut and bruised my hand a bit. 

For today’s run, I wanted to take my favorite trail.  I have not been on it for a while, 

but this beautiful fall weather promised a wonderful run.  The trail was very secluded with several small streams to either jump over or use the wooden bridges provided.  However, several months ago, we had some unusual hurricane weather followed by some flooding which left some of the bridges broken and in disarray. I came across one such bridge on my way out (e.g. this run was an out-and-back run).  The bridge was intact, but the steps leading up to the bridge were washed away.  That was ok, because runners can just jump up or stop and climb up to go across the bridge without the steps.  Having the steps washed out was a little inconvenient, but runners were still able to go in the right direction and not need to turn back. 

On the return trip, I crossed the bridge again.  This time I noticed the missing steps were down the stream a wee bit. With a little effort, I thought they could be put back in place.  So, I stopped my run, got a little dirty, and managed to move the heavy wooden step block back to its rightful place.  I also tried to secure it a little better using an even heavier log.  I placed the log in such a way to divert any floodwaters that may happen to come that way again.  In the process I noticed I cut and bruised my hand a bit. 

On my run home, I felt God just taught me an important lesson.  The lesson was this:  “When you see what is needed, stop and do the right thing.”

  – Don’t pass it by and let others take care of:  many have passed these steps by, but no one wanted to fix the steps. (Luke. 10:33-37)

  – Not fixing it did not keep people from using the bridge.  They could still travel the right direction; it may not be as convenient; they may exert more energy, etc.; Fixing the steps made things better, smoother, more enjoyable, was a blessing.  (Deuteronomy 28:1-12)

  –   The process of fixing it takes time, effort, may be inconvenient, and you may even get hurt, but it is the right thing to do.  (Galatians 6:9)

  –    Sometimes no one knows (but God) that you did the right thing; but that is ok  (Matt. 6:4)

I believe we should willing and ready to be used by God in any environment at anytime.  We show our love towards Him by being obedient to Him (John 14:15).

We should not be fearful and think we are not capable or it may not be the right thing to do.  We should proceed with the assurance that He knows what is going on and that He is with us.

“Fear not, for I am with you; 
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God. 
      I will strengthen you, 
      Yes, I will help you, 
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isa. 41:10

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7

I would like to add to this, when I returned and told my wife what I learned during my run, she was amazed that God worked so quickly.  She told me that just yesterday she was praying and asked God to show me a way to be more effective for Him, something to improve on, something that maybe I could not see on my own, particularly in that area of my life.  Well, her prayers were answered. The power of a praying wife!