Train Rides Together

A baby’s first breath, life’s beginning, is both new and exciting. Unfortunately, we don’t get to decide how it will turn out. We play the game, take the cards as they’re dealt, and do our best.

God sometimes plans growth through severe derailments. It can be mind-boggling when we believe we’re doing everything in our power to make our life work — feeling exhausted by the lack of steam in our engines.

Our power alone is never enough. We often look up after life’s derailments, searching for what caused them. Sometimes life has beaten us, and we’ve lost the confidence to believe in our choices and ourselves. We question everything, and we slip off track.

Trust is the most important choice in a relationship. I encourage you to look to Christ; He meets you there.

You were not alone in the crash. This rescue can happen in a relationship, especially when you look up, letting the answers pour into you. Life can feel rushed, and sometimes it’s too much. Then, it happens. The train derails.

The crash has a positive side, pushing us not to rely on ourselves alone.

First, God works on us one at a time, offering aid after the crash. He checks our wounds and even distracts us with various choices. The choice could involve God, or it might not. Trust me, we are better off leaning on the most capable engineer, God. He never leaves us stranded.

When we tire of depending on our solo power, then God adds steam to our engine, careful not to give too much information at once. He comprehends our deepest yearnings, understands our limits, but appreciates reliance and trust in the plan preset for the refinement of our walk in faith.

The Divine grants what one requires, also what one wishes, because He wants readiness to maintain the journey. His timing presents a prime plan still to be trusted; it could prove troublesome.

Delay may occur. When partners apply effort, the relationship is beautiful. God makes us wait for the desires of our hearts. He will bring us together in understanding His word and service to His ministry. He will lay His hands upon them as His children and guide them with the tools to get started on their way.

God then gathers wreckage from the crash, casting debris beyond their reach. The path revealed itself along the track; with vital effort, our journey found us positioned beside one another. Only this time, He keeps us on individual tracks that are both headed toward His safe harbor.

The most beautiful aspect: He stays between, Divine Spirit, keeping both rail cars parallel. If a crossing comes along, he will be right there to guide lane changes. He might desire distinct tasks, though positives emerge if His guidance remains.

God sweetens the path ahead with little cars to lead. He may one day ask them to be the engine of their particular track. No worries. He will forever trail them. God knew the cars before putting them in your care. He realized they might serve as vehicles misplaced upon diverted courses. We trust that, having taught them how they travel, they travel with their Engineer; they have novel routes and sights.

He will always ask you to be diligent in His teachings. Remain life-learners together. Still praying before making a plan, first with the Head Engineer and then together. When they do just this with His help, we can achieve everything. To be parallel is safest for operation, similar to distinct railroad cars: both paths, directed via the chief engineer, collaborate for Him. God created two individuals with talents and aspirations; by always being true to yourself and your walk of faith in Him, you become the most reliable steel on the track of life.

God is the Engineer of our lives, and when working for Him but together as a united, loving team, we can accomplish much for His glory. He will always be our truth, our way, and our life. Trust in Him, and He will get you where you’re going. We all will head down the track to our heavenly home together one day.

Psalms 48:14 ~ for this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Ephesians 4:2-3 With all humility and gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, and eagerness to maintain the unity of the Spirit of the bond of peace.

(Originally written for Dave and Dana Brady ~ is March 24, 2012)

You came together before God and your witnesses to proclaim your love. Your vows have bonded you to be married to one another in a Christ-centered union. May your marriage be a continual blessing as you seek Him together and live for Him until you see Him face to face? God bless you both now and forever.