2-14-11<\/p>\n
One of the only constant aspects of this old world is\u2026 Change. That is not irony; it is history. And it is not our dreaded fate; it is our lot to make of it what we will.<\/p>\n
Two weeks ago we speculated, here, about the implausible, if not unthinkable \u2013 entrenched Arab leaders resigning and fleeing with their lives. But it has happened, and it might happen yet again. Hundreds of thousands of angry protestors, and their first act (after all-night jubilation on the streets)\u2026 was returning to Liberation Square in Cairo with brooms and garbage bags. Go figure. The predictable, in this new world, is the Unpredictable.<\/p>\n
It is the case in America, too, down to the personal level. In a land of plenty, there is want; in the world\u2019s most powerful economy, there is unemployment and insecurity. But the new security is not Insecurity \u2013 it does not have to be that way. And it is not a case merely of deciding to reclaim our personal destiny in the face of so many of life\u2019s new challenges. It is<\/em> a case of remembering that God is not only in control of our destiny \u2013 our careers, our families, our lives \u2013 but that He is<\/em> our destiny. Our destination.<\/p>\n The singer Lynda Randle has pointed to the perils of accepting Jesus as Savior without making Him Lord. Two different things, each requiring a response from us. The first aspect affects our eternal destiny; the second can influence our everyday destiny, day by day, in this old world.<\/p>\n Mother Teresa put it another way: \u201cGod has not called us to be successful\u2026 He calls us to be obedient.\u201d<\/p>\n +<\/p>\n The songwriter Charles D Tillman popularized great Gospel songs like Old Time Religion<\/em>, Life\u2019s Railway to Heaven<\/em>, and I Am a Poor, Wayfaring Stranger<\/em>. Another of his classics is the song When I Get To the End of the Way<\/em>, which beautifully reflects the message today. Its words are profound.<\/p>\n Here are the lyrics, after which you can click on a great version sung by Lynda Randle, sister of Michael Tait (of dcTalk and currently lead singer of The Newsboys).<\/p>\n When I Get To the End Of the Way<\/strong><\/p>\n The sands have been washed in the footprints There are so many hills to climb upward, He loves me too well to forsake me,
\nOf the stranger from Galilee\u2019s shore,
\nAnd the voice that subdued the rough billows,
\nWill be heard in Judea no more.
\nBut the path of that lone Galilean,
\nWith joy I will follow today;
\nAnd the toils of the road will seem nothing,
\nWhen I get to the end of the way.<\/p>\n
\nI often am longing for rest,
\nBut He who appoints me my pathway
\nKnows just what is needful and best.
\nI know in His word He hath promised
\nThat my strength, \u201cit will be as my day\u201d;
\nAnd the toils of the road will seem nothing,
\nWhen I get to the end of the way.<\/p>\n
\nOr give me a trial too much;
\nAll His people have been dearly purchased,
\nAnd Satan can never claim such.
\nBy and by I shall see Him and praise Him,
\nIn the city of unending day;
\nAnd the toils of the road will seem nothing,
\nWhen I get to the end of the way.<\/em><\/p>\n