In the fall of 1981, I decided to go to San Jose Bible College for one year. As a relatively new Christian, I figured it would be a good investment in my future regardless of what vocation I chose. One afternoon I was playing some 2 on 2 full court basketball with the dean of students, Mike Bowman, when I got my shot blocked by my good friend Tim and went down hard. Turns out that I tore some ligaments in my left ankle, had to go to the hospital, and got a hard cast with strict instructions NOT TO WALK on it for two weeks!
But since I was 20 years old and apparently thought I was smarter than the doctor, I was walking on that cast before the plaster was dry! Not surprisingly, that ankle never healed properly and has given me trouble ever since. At times it’s painful to walk without favoring my weak ankle.
The Bible uses “walk” as a metaphor for the daily experience of living our lives. How is it possible to “walk” straight, when you’ve been injured by your own foolish choices, or by the hurtful actions of others? These injuries go far beyond physical ones; they are emotional, relational, or psychological damages. We “limp” through life as a result.
The Bible makes it clear that walking straight not only is possible, but it’s God’s intended will for you! Colossians 1:10 says, “…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects…” This Sunday we’ll see Paul’s faith-filled prayer in Colossians 1:9-14 for this process to happen in the church back then AND today!
Leaning on the everlasting arms,
Kurt