Couple of years ago I went to a get-away of sorts with some folks in the Texas hill country.  During one of the sessions a man asked us to pair off and then distributed blind- folds.  One of us was to wear the blind-fold and the other was to give verbal instructions.

For the next thirty minutes we were on our own and people were telling their blind- folded partners to take a step, stop, take a right step, left, stop, go slow, stop and so on.  Kinda fun!  People were everywhere, inside, outside, sidewalks, hallways, grass, patios, everywhere. 

When we came back together we were told to lose the blind-folds and then re-trace our steps.  One pair went outside and the blind-folded partner was shown the swimming pool.

His partner had walked him around the perimeter of the pool, slowly and step by precious step!  When told, the blind-folded partner was furious. “ I could have fallen in.  I could have drowned.  I could have….!”  “ But, you didn’t!  You followed my instructions precisely and you made it.  You didn’t fall in.  You didn’t drown.  You didn’t…did you?”

The illustration has never left me.  Our life as Christ followers is very much like the blind-folded experience.  If we listen carefully to the instructions…and obey, completely…we’re safe.  If….!  If not, we fall in and it’ll probably be the deep end! 

I wonder how many times the Lord has walked me around the swimming pool?  Just listening to His voice and doing my best to obey, He has  kept me from harm and danger.  He kept me when I didn’t even know how close I really was to falling in.  Clothes and all. 

I suppose that’s the essence of faith.  Listening and obeying.    One writer said that faith is the confident assurance  that what we hope for is going to happen…it’s the evidence of things we cannot yet see.  Like being blind-folded and listening for the instructions, we live our lives taking one step at a time. 

I know for many that this kind of life rubs us the wrong way.  We’d like to have full knowledge of all things at all times, thank you very much.   We want to know where we’re going,  how long it will take and…how much will it cost!   However, we are called on to live by faith…in fact, we’re told that without faith we can’t please God.  Think about that!

As you’re thinking about it, try singing this old song.  “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!”

Until next time, keep on truckin’!