Day 3

IF ONLY...

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard" Colossians 1:23

"If only" is one of the saddest phrases which is ever uttered for it is most often heard from people who see the result of missed opportunities, unwise actions, and failure to live up to known potential. We all think we could do better and avoid our mistakes if only if we had a second chance. Of course "if only" can also be a convenient excuse; "If only I had the looks", "If only I had known", "If only I had had a different start".

If only Saul had continued the way he had begun - in humility, wonder at God's gracious will, in a teachable spirit, willing to be led. But even when he was presented to the people he showed weakness 1 Sam. 10:20-24, understandable perhaps but undignified all the same. Nevertheless he also showed wisdom and tolerance. Look up 1 Sam. 10:26,27 and 11:12-15 again. He was contented that God ,who had chosen him, would open the way. Unfortunately Saul's decline was swift, see 1 Sam. 13.

The most difficult part of a long race is not the start but the middle. In a marathon when the excitement and thrill are past and runners are away from the admiring crowds the hard effort begins, competitors quickly sorted out. It must be an overwhelming thrill to win but as I watch the marathon in London on television each year I see that the aim of each competitor is to finish! The Christian life is compared to a race several times in the New Testament see Heb. 12:1,2 and Phil. 3:13,14.

Saul failed to complete the course despite being well equipped (1 Sam. 10:9) not because he neglected his duty or was overwhelmed by circumstances but because he did not remain faithful to God's leading - he went his own way. Look up Jesus' words in Matt. 25:21 and read Micah 6:8. What do you think God expects from us?

Lord, give me a new heart and help me to walk humbly with you all my life.