A perspective on a book written by Andy Stanley.
My Perspective
I appreciate that people take the time to write what they think or are inspired to put down on paper. It doesn't matter if it is a fictional story, a biography, or a guide. But it is extraordinary that someone would take the time to bring forth what's inside so we can experience it.
Andy Stanley wrote the book "The Principle of the Path" in 2008. It was given to me probably about that time. But unfortunately, it took me many years to pick it up and pay attention to his writing. Why? Well, it's that God pretty much told me to. More on that at another time.
His book brings out so many rich things for anybody who reads it. In particular, a male who is going through life. If you are like me, you can feel you are just moving through life and have no specific direction. Maybe you think you have an order but didn't stop to think, "Is this the right direction?"
In life, we set our path, and if we are fortunate, we have someone who helps us. Unfortunately for some of us, we either do not have that support group or simply aren't paying attention to them.
Like a child, we happily move in a direction and have no idea what's at the other end. But, in man speak, we would say, "I'm taking a risk!" or "What the heck ... let's give it a go!"
What can happen, though, is we don't realize that path would lead to something that would be difficult to recover from. So perhaps we lost money; we didn't stop to create a relationship with our children; we took our spouse for granted; we kept skipping our daily prayers; we had that extra drink; we stayed when we should have run away, we ... fill in the blank.
Andy brought out, at least for me, that I am on a new path. I am where I am, I cannot turn back time, and I may not realize some of my dreams, but I do have the chance to move forward on a path that can now lead to where God wants me to go. It starts by saying, "Your Will be done, Not mine" You may recall that someone extraordinary said that. Then, he demonstrated that a new life would happen despite an incredible hardship—a resurrection.
How powerful is that thought? Imagine, by taking the time to consider where you are and where you think you are going and then leaning into God with full faith and belief, you will get to where you need to be. The best place possible. The area that God has in mind for you.
Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Luke 22:42 NLT
What a fantastic book Andy had inside of him. I am thankful I've finally read it. I look forward to taking it to heart and would highly encourage you to read this book. I guarantee you it will change your path.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the book that Andy Stanley wrote. Thank you for Andy Stanley and how he has impacted many people. Father, guide those who read this to read that book. Help them take a good hard look at their current path and decide which direction to go in. Thank you for helping me decide on a course and helping me stay on that path. Please keep us, our families, and our friends safe. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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