Like me, I’m pretty sure your life, also, seems congested with the standstill traffic of pot holes, road closures and constantly being re-routed around construction. I’m, truly, not the personality to see road blocks and detours as chances to stop and enjoy new scenic sights. I fall into the “lady on a mission” category and ooze a “get in there and get it accomplished” strategy. I fully understand and accept life is filled with tie-ups, upsets and change of plans. It’s not my disposition, however, to automatically accept a map filled with round-a-bouts as the direction best leading to a desired destination. Thus, God (more times than desired or should be necessary) often delivers HIS chosen course for me through my engaging in a frustrated conversations with Him. “Really, God??? I asked for Checkers; You gave me Chess” is how this particular conversation began.
During the times when there’s a huge load on my plate, it is automatically instinctive for me to knock (even bang down) God’s door. My short coming is never to doubt God is the only compass, fuel and vehicle capable of delivering me, my loved ones and all humanity to where we are called and where an eternity of redemptive peace and grace reign. The route is my stumbling stone.
When I see conflict, struggle, mountains to climb and valleys to crawl through, I want Checkers — a game board you succeed on by only needing to go forwards or backwards and, better yet, jumping over what obstacles are in your path, thereby speeding up the time to overcome opposition. I don’t want Chess — a game board on which you add going sideways and, even, in circular pattern in order to, way down the road, defeat the adversary. In Chess, the more challenging the next move, the longer it takes to comtemplate, devise and deliver strategy. With speed, Checkers out plays the opposition. With perseverance, Chess out smarts the opposition.
Without a doubt, I always ask God for Checkers. So, why does God send me Chess, when I request Checkers? You better believe, I asked Him this very question. God’s shared wisdom led me to understanding by reminding me that His Son’s dedication and perseverance, through a 33 year long process, was what it took to win my salvation. (Ouch!!) Overcoming opposition and gaining this reward for me was not a fast paced, hurdles jumped endeavor. If Jesus took the long, necessary route needed for me and my salvation, shouldn’t I embrace (not complain about) doing the same? Not quite done with His enlightenment, I sensed God adding: being able to dismiss a challenge easily and speedily often translates into being remiss concerning the full weight and impact of both my duly earned effects of sin and my unearned gift of grace.
The road to heaven is a marathon journey, not an around the corner, fast errand jaunt. With remorse and humility, I’m now a tad wiser, and a heap more understanding, of why the Lord continually hands me Chess, instead of Checkers. Game On!!!
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 