“Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord and trust in the Lord.” -Psalm 4: 5
In Chapter 4 (“Stupid Won’t Fix Stupid”) of You’ll Get Through This, author Max Lucado cautions against compounding an adverse situation with a poor, impulsive choice. Max adds:
“Egypt can be a cruddy place. No one disagrees with that. But Egypt can also be the petri dish for brainless decisions. Don’t make matters worse by doing something you’ll regret.”
The lesson we learn from Joseph is to do what pleases God. Pastor Lucado illustrates his point with the story of Thomas Dorsey. In his mid-twenties Thomas founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. He worked with some of the greatest gospel singers of that era, including Mahalia Jackson. One night after a concert in St. Louis, however, he received a telegram informing him that his wife had died in childbirth back in Chicago. The next day his newborn son died. Distraught, Thomas isolated himself, nursing his anger and sorrow. A close friend took him to a neighborhood music school, where Thomas played the piano and prayed. As he poured out his heart to God, he penned these words: “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand . . .”
Pastor Lucado states that we need to reach out to God like Thomas Dorsey:
“Turbulent times will tempt you to forget God. Shortcuts will lure you. Sirens will call you. But don’t be foolish or naïve. Do what pleases God. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Today’s question: During your desert, transitional time, what shortcuts have tempted you away from pleasing God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Heartbreak Hotel”