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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Have you ever done that? Is that a crazy question? Only to those who never experience doubt, knowing exactly what they want to accomplish and having no reservations about how to achieve it. That’s not me! I’ve always struggled – past and present. I know in a general sense what I am – a Christian, husband, father, and grandpa; but I’ve always struggled with who I am deep inside. What does it really mean to be a Christian? How do I go about being the most effective husband, father and grandfather?
For many of us, the answer often revolves around another question: How good is good enough? Which usually leads to other questions, such as: Should I go to college – and where? What program am I best suited for, what kind of work would I be most effective at? How much money can I really make, and is that really important? (Not to mention dating, marriage, kids, etc.)
As in all other things, Christ should be our ultimate example, and yet – before He went to the cross, the defining moment of his life – He went to the garden. A place of personal questioning if not doubt and emotional struggle. (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40-46) Was he wrestling with his destiny? His life’s plan had been revealed (Matthew 16:21,20:17-19) and accepted. (John 4:34,5:30,6:38,3:16,17; Hebrews 10:5-7) Yet as the actual crucifixion drew ominously closer and all the ramifications of his chosen path in life became starkly clear, a suffocating uncertainty seemed to come crashing down around him.
This reminds me somewhat of Jacob’s ordeal with the angel at the Jabbok River (Genesis 32:22), even as he was attempting to make amends with his brother Esau and thus be reunited with his family in their ancestral lands. He knew his duty and had resolved to do all within his power to please his father (Genesis 35:27), be reconciled to his brother and obey God’s will. (After a number of miscues and stumbles.) And yet, he still had some misgivings, some concerns over the particulars his reconciliation with Esau might entail. I believe he too was wrestling with God’s will (Genesis 32:24-31), struggling to place himself 100% in line with what He had set before him. (Genesis 32 & 33)
Jesus asked not once, but three times for the obstacle of the cross to be removed from his path of obedience. (Matthew 26:43) Reminding us of Paul’s petition that God remove a physical condition or hindrance from him – again three times – only to have that obstacle revealed as God’s will and His way of empowering Paul in his ministry, saying “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Both were denied, not because God didn’t care but because his will and their destinies were both best served in obedience to the way set before them. Through his presence and power, they were encouraged and strengthened to resolutely embrace their destinies – come what may – and were blessed beyond compare; becoming a blessing to others in ways no one could have imagined or predicted – except God. (Not to ‘humanize’ Jesus too much, but despite being God’s son and mentally acquiescing to the path set before him, he had to confirm God’s plan through obedience to His will.) Scripture confirming that, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him…” Hebrews 5:8-10 (See also Philippians 2:6-8)
So put your faith in God and his way (Hebrews 11:6); even when you can’t see or don’t understand all the steps to obedience God is calling you to; acknowledge and take the ones – or one – you can see and understand, trusting God to bring all things to completion for your benefit and his glory. For, “As the scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:11 And, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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