As a gifted communicator, former Missionary, and Professor of Christian Missions at Asbury Theological Seminary Emeritus, John T. Seamands preached in over forty countries around the world throughout his distinguished career.
He also authored numerous books, including Dayspring: Daily Devotions from 4 Gospels, Tell It Well: Communicating the Gospel across Cultures, and Who Do You Say That I Am?
In one of his earlier books, Harvest of Humanity (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Scripture Press, 1988), he tells a story about a certain Eastern European soldier who was wounded:
"He was ordered to go to the military hospital for treatment. When he arrived at the large and imposing building, he saw two doors, one marked, 'For the slightly wounded,' and the other, 'For the seriously wounded.'"
"He entered through the first door and found himself going down a long hall. At the end of it were two more doors, one marked, 'For officers', and the other, 'For non-officers.' He entered through the latter and found himself going down another long hall.
At the end of it were two more doors, one marked, 'For party members' and the other, 'For non-party members.' He took the second door, and when he opened it he found himself out on the street."
"When the soldier returned home, his mother asked him, 'How did you get along at the hospital?' 'Well, Mother,' he replied, 'to tell the truth, the people there didn't do anything for me, but you ought to see the tremendous organization they have!'"
In truth, at times, life can seem as if it is a maze of choices. Often, we are forced to decide which way to go; and the consequences of our choices can be significant and lasting.
But thankfully, as followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have to make our choices alone. In John’s Gospel (16:13), Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would be here for us to “guide” us in all things.
For my part, I have learned the value of prayer when it comes to seeking guidance. The Apostle John, in his first general epistle in the New Testament (I John 5:14-15), tells us: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
So, if you are facing a major decision today concerning God’s will for your future, why not follow the admonition of Scripture and simply seek Divine guidance? As you do, however, remember that the process of prayer involves not only speaking, but also listening as well.
The Old Testament Prophet, Jeremiah, tells us that God is serious about answering our prayers and giving us guidance whenever we need it (33:3): “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
So, when trying to determine whether to continue straight, turn left, or right, or even back up, perhaps the most important way to go is up – in prayer. And then, the words of the Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah (30:21), will have special meaning: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
He also authored numerous books, including Dayspring: Daily Devotions from 4 Gospels, Tell It Well: Communicating the Gospel across Cultures, and Who Do You Say That I Am?
In one of his earlier books, Harvest of Humanity (Colorado Springs, Colorado: Scripture Press, 1988), he tells a story about a certain Eastern European soldier who was wounded:
"He was ordered to go to the military hospital for treatment. When he arrived at the large and imposing building, he saw two doors, one marked, 'For the slightly wounded,' and the other, 'For the seriously wounded.'"
"He entered through the first door and found himself going down a long hall. At the end of it were two more doors, one marked, 'For officers', and the other, 'For non-officers.' He entered through the latter and found himself going down another long hall.
At the end of it were two more doors, one marked, 'For party members' and the other, 'For non-party members.' He took the second door, and when he opened it he found himself out on the street."
"When the soldier returned home, his mother asked him, 'How did you get along at the hospital?' 'Well, Mother,' he replied, 'to tell the truth, the people there didn't do anything for me, but you ought to see the tremendous organization they have!'"
In truth, at times, life can seem as if it is a maze of choices. Often, we are forced to decide which way to go; and the consequences of our choices can be significant and lasting.
But thankfully, as followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have to make our choices alone. In John’s Gospel (16:13), Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would be here for us to “guide” us in all things.
For my part, I have learned the value of prayer when it comes to seeking guidance. The Apostle John, in his first general epistle in the New Testament (I John 5:14-15), tells us: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
So, if you are facing a major decision today concerning God’s will for your future, why not follow the admonition of Scripture and simply seek Divine guidance? As you do, however, remember that the process of prayer involves not only speaking, but also listening as well.
The Old Testament Prophet, Jeremiah, tells us that God is serious about answering our prayers and giving us guidance whenever we need it (33:3): “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
So, when trying to determine whether to continue straight, turn left, or right, or even back up, perhaps the most important way to go is up – in prayer. And then, the words of the Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah (30:21), will have special meaning: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”