Chuck Bridges Blog

I am one of those kind of people who loves to be in the woods, especially in the mountains! There is nothing like the sounds, sights and smells of the great outdoors! I love everything about it. But, I have to confess that I am not a true “woodsman.” By that I mean that I don’t have the savvy to go out into unknown territory with a compass and find my way to a determined destination. I was never a Boy Scout and have never been good with the whole east, south, north west thing. I have been sort of lost in the woods before. All the trails looked the same making it hard to be sure about which way to go.

It is much easier to go hiking or just pleasure walking where there are marked trails and occasional directional signs. It is easier to really enjoy the surroundings when we have a confidence of our location. In the same way, it is easier to sing, listen to the birds sing, enjoy our families, etc. when we have a confidence about the direction of our lives. It is during those times when we are uncertain about which way to go that the many blessings God has given us to enjoy are not as memorable. Life takes so many unexpected turns causing us to lose our way; unless we understand how to read the “Compass” God has given us.

In a way, the Easter Story can serve as a Compass for those who are serious about being a Christ-Follower. Life’s unexpected turns can create confusion, frustration, anger, and lead to some bad choices. But, when we stop and take a look at the “Compass” we can once again continue on our journey with a confidence that we are going the right way. The world’s influence dims the brightness of Jesus’ VICTORY over the GRAVE! When Christ Jesus was RESURRECTED from the dead everything that causes our hearts to break was defeated. His VICTORYcan be OUR VICTORY!!!

Like being in the woods our sense of direction in life can be completely wrong — even when it FEELS so right! That is why we have to check the “Compass!” Are you living in the power of Christ’s Resurrection? Are you passionate about LIFE becasue in Him our life exceeds the “PITS” of this world? Are you in need of a New Direction? If you are struggling with “direction” issues, check your God-given compass. Remember the Cross because it tells us what great lengths God will go to so that we can be saved. Remember that Jesus was buried in a tomb because He was dead. Most of all, remember His resurrection because it makes ALL our setbacks seem so much more manageable.

Go ahead, check your Compass. You’ll be glad you did!