Isn’t that a compelling title?  It’s the title to one of my morning devotions by Joni Eareckson Tada. God “broke in” this morning.

Today’s reading contained this Scripture from II Corinthians 5:14 (KJV), “For the love of Christ constraineth us …”  A pastor was likening ‘constrained’ to a river that had its banks reinforced which, in turn, caused the flow of water to be ‘constrained’ and pushed forward.  [Transparency.  I’ve climbed those banks. I’ve built bridges.  Internally, I’ve said, ‘I can’t go that way!’  ‘I don’t know what will happen.’ ‘I’m fine right here.’ ‘I’m unsure, so I just won’t move.’]

The pastor went on to say that ‘Sometimes God in His love brings about circumstances which seem to press in on every side — walled situations or high hedges where we feel closed in. [He’s been closing in the last couple of weeks.] Yet God allows these crushing pressures to ultimately push us forward and make us more effective, more productive.  Though we may not like it, the trials press us and push us in a better direction — a direction God wants us to head.”  [Oh, man. This gives me the feeling of standing in line for a ride at an amusement park.  Half terror and half elation.]

The reading concluded with, “Your circumstances — even the pushing, squeezing, distressing ones — are part of His plan.  It’s a plan to make your life more productive than you ever dreamed possible.  That’s divine engineering at its best.”

Frankly, I’m tired of constraining myself.  What, exactly, have I been holding myself back from? Or, more importantly, why?

God spoke the word ‘grow’ to me as my word for 2017.  [Knew there was more to that innocent little four letter word.]  I’ve decided to stop being afraid.  No more riding in the third row [scrutinize the photo below]. No more allowing distractions to side track me [see fourth row].  I want to throw off anything that is hindering what God has in mind for me (Hebrews 12:1).

So, that is going to be me, in the front row.  Fully engaged, no more holding back; having the time of my life. How’s God going to use me?  What doors is He preparing to open? That’s His business. I’ve purchased my ticket.  I’m getting on that ride.