Hmm, where to now?
Ever found yourself at the end of the line, end of a rope or the end of a day, dreading tomorrow and never knowing what to do, or how things are going to turn out?
Meet Isaac Cain, son of Bruce & Shirley Cain of Cordova, AK. In this picture Isaac finds himself at the end of one of the last “boardwalks” in Cordova. This one, across the street from the Bidarki Youth Center, has been replaced with a cement sidewalk.
Looking at Isaac here makes one wonder what he’s thinking, doesn’t it? The end of the line: What’s going to happen now? What shall I do or what’s the purpose of this thing called life?
Well, there is an answer for all of us when we find ourselves in this kind of predicament (a condition or situation now, especially one that is difficult, unpleasant, embarrassing, or even sometimes comical).
God says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end. Then you shall call upon me and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
The New English Bible says it this way: “I alone know my purpose for you, says the LORD, prosperity and not misfortune, and a long line of children after you. If you invoke me and pray to me, I will listen to you: when you seek me, you shall find me; if you search with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the LORD.”
I had some business to take care of last weekend by phone and happened to call the Cain household. Shirley answered, and we talked as if there was no distance at all between Japan and Alaska. Whenever I think of the Cain family, I think of this picture of little Isaac at the end of the boardwalk.
I asked Shirley, “Say, how’s Isaac?” She said with a proud smile in her voice, “He’s starting first grade on Monday!”
Yes, folks, today Isaac isn’t standing with an abandoned or deserted look at the end of a boardwalk ⎯ he has made it to the FIRST grade! Isn’t that wonderful? YAY, Isaac!
You’ll make it, too! God is always standing by at the end of your boardwalk to catch you, to guide you, to inspire (breathe, blow upon or into) you. Take the step. Don’t be afraid. You’ll find yourself as though you were walking on water with the Lord.