God Can Steer A Parked Car

I've just finished reading Phil Vischer's new book, Me, Myself, & Bob, in one sitting.  While I was reading I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more and then I cried some more.  Maybe I was so touched by the story because, like Phil, I've been an entrepreneur and can relate to joys and heartache of running a business. 

I felt as though I was there for the roller coaster rise and fall of his company Big Idea.  From the production of the first Veggie Tales video to their eventual bankruptcy.

I was reminded of an old sermon that describes how when man starts something it almost always eventually becomes a Frankenstein.  How once created, organizations, businesses and ministries all seem to take on a life of their own.  They start to serve their own interests rather than the interests of their creator.

Towards the end of the book, Phil refers to the oft quoted passage from Proverbs, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."  I mean...yes, right...that's it, we have to strategize and come up with goals or else we won't know where to head....or will we.  He goes on to point out that none of the modern translations use the word vision, they use the word revelation.  When the King James version was translated, "vision" didn't mean what it means today.  It wasn't about goals and ambition and a "vision statement"...it literally meant a vision from God.   

He writes:

According to Paul, God had in mind even before I was born the "good work" he wanted me to do.  I don't have to dream it up, I don't have to read a hundred business books and craft a "vision paper," I don't have to try a bunch of stuff and see what works.  I just have to stop and listen.

The Problem with the saying "God can't steer a parked car" is that, while its cute, it isn't biblical.  When people of great faith in the Bible don't know what God wants them to do, they don't just run off and make stuff up. They wait on him.

I've used that phrase myself.  I've told people, "Just do something, start moving, get going, God will direct you."  The problem is, like Phil points out, that doesn't seem to be how the God of the bible works.

Take Noah, a man who actually got to "save the world."  He waited 500 years for his chance.  What was he doing during the wait?  Genesis 6:9 says, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."  That's what Noah did for the first 500 years of his life, he walked with God.  That's what God is calling us to do, to wait on Him.  To walk with him.  Not to run out and and try to manufacture something important to do for Him. God's more interested in our relationship with Him than what we do for Him. So maybe God can steer a parked car...the question is, will we wait for Him?

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Comments

[Scarlett]

That's a good word.
James says happy birthday.
We love you!
Scarlett

[Mark]

God is a jealous God. He gets tired of us taking off on our adventures in life without Him. He wants to lead. He is the Father. He often allows us to fall/fail in hopes that we will turn to Him. He has a plan for you & I and will gladly direct you if you pause intentionally to listen.

"What does God want from me today." not necessarily "What do I want to do for God today."

[Amy]

That was great, Jon. I've been the children's pastor at my church for just less than a year. Sometimes I get so frustrated when things don't work out the way I wanted them to or had planned. This post really spoke to me about what I need to do (or not do). I look forward to reading the whole book. Thank you.

[Jim Gadberry]

Jon, I am very impressed. What a Great word, may God continue to give you wisdom and wit. I enjoyed it very much. Proud of you.

Jim

[Ben]

This is a powerful vision if I've ever heard one!

[John Cole]

While I concur that it can be a great thing when we can move forward on an issue having felt a specific impression from the Lord, I do not believe this is necessary in every situation.

Throughout our lives we may encounter situations where a decision to move forward is necessary, yet we may not feel a particular leading from God in one direction or the other. This should not disable us from moving forward.

I have seen this ideology taken to unhealthy extremes in my church. I believe we must use the rational mind God gave us to make decisions, even if we don't feel a particular leading in our heart.

While Noah would be a good person to imitate in that he "walked" with God...I do not think it is healthy that Christian men should indefinitely "wait" for an answer from God.

If we do not hear anything in particular from God, then I think we must ensure that: our heart is in the right place, that we are desiring something that exemplifies our faith and beliefs, and then move forward!

[Stan]

Thanks for the post. You are right, we need to wait on the Lord and move.

[chanel outlet]

Work is more that a necessary for most human beings; it is the focus of their lives , the source of their identity and creativity.

----------- by Leonard R.Sayles, British writer