Staying On Course
Though a
righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.1
In his book, Peak Performers, Dr. Charles Garfield describes how the
astronauts keep their spacecraft on course:
On their flights between earth and the moon, it was said, the Apollo ships
were off course much of the time. In each instance, the spacecraft would wander
off its path and the crew would correct, again and again. And do you know what?
It did not matter. What mattered were the results. They got to the moon. They
got home. They did it by having the discipline and knowledge to get themselves
back on course. They followed not a perfect path, but a critical path.
Whether we are shooting for the moon, seeking to achieve a better personal or
family life, or seeking to obey and serve God, whatever our goals, the
principle is the same. There are always unpredictable and unexpected events
that call for change and adjustment. Although the astronauts had to be precise
in their calculations, they still allowed for mistakes and corrections. The
person who does not allow for such adjustments will probably not reach his or
her goals. As Charles Garfield explained, the critical path is the way to reach
our destination.
As followers of Christ, we will stumble at times, make mistakes, fail, and wander
off course. When we fall or wander, however, the important thing is to get up,
correct our course, and keep going.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you that you are always with me to guide and
direct my life and correct any wrong or harmful turns that I might make. Give
me the willingness and ability to admit when I wander off course and the wisdom
to correct my path. Fulfill the plans you have for me, and use me for your glory.
In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
1. Proverbs 24:16 (NIV).
The Encounter for today was written by: Crystal B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.