One of my missionary colleagues gave me an illustration of life in the jungle. It held a punch that I hope I never forget.
South American roads at times are little more than frequently trodden paths, unpaved and unmarked. When hard rains come, those dirt paths become like sinking mud pits. My friend, shared about an instance when she drove her four-wheel-drive vehicle through the slick and treacherous terrain. As she spoke, I pictured her dilemma, alone in unfriendly territory, uncertain and vulnerable.
“I didn’t know if I could get through,” she remembered. “But when I saw fresh tracks on the other side of the road coming my way, I knew it was ok to continue,” she said. “As long as someone had been where I was heading and drove through to where I was, I knew I could get to where they had been.”
This lesson has encouraged me so many times. As seasoned travelers, this is our testimony to generations on the path of life.
We are like the tracks coming from the other side, showing where we have been and pointing where to go. Even though our past tracks may have been slippery at times or even gotten off the path, we demonstrate to another generation that they too can get through the obstacles they face.
Where we stand today gives courage for the journey and builds assurance they can make it to the other side. This is possible as we proceed with solid biblical faith in Jesus Christ.
How will future generations navigate the slippery roads ahead?
When my husband and I served in overseas ministry, we found the Bible spoke to people when read with an open mind and humble heart. Scripture speaks for itself. It reaches into hearts far more effectively than any person’s words ever could.
Generations have no anchor when truth becomes subjective. We are blessed in this culture and language to have so many tools which encourage spiritual growth, yet their place is secondary to the inspired infallible truth of God’s Word.
Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17, knowing He would soon leave them, and that many new believers would follow Him after His death. His prayer to the Father asked, Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. (John 17:17 NIV)
The Greek word used for truth is a noun, Aletheia. This word doesn’t just describe characteristics about God’s Word. Rather it’s telling us that God’s Word is the standard of truth itself.
Our children, grandchildren and future generations are in desperate need of immutable truth.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9 NIV)
We don’t need to make the Bible cool. It already is. We have the privilege of opening it up like a desirable flower for others to see the beauty already there. Our children, grandchildren and future generations are in desperate need of immutable truth. Click To Tweet
God’s Word is relevant to society today. It pertains to issues every age faces. It is valid for practical down-to-earth life. It’s an anchor in the craziness of a society that threatens to overtake us.
Scripture should excite us personally, bringing wonder and passion.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. (Psalm 119:18 NIV)
I love that the Bible is so honest. It doesn’t cover up truth, but tells many stories of people who got off track. It recounts those whose tracks led away from God, and those who with God’s help found the right path and finished well. These examples also give us direction.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 NIV)
Many of us look at upcoming generations with trepidation. We wonder where society is heading, and what life looks like down the road. We provide the tracks, like those which encouraged my friend. We bring hope and encouragement that the path of following Jesus is worth the journey. We attest to truth.
Where are your tracks going? Are they headed in the right direction?
(This article is adapted from an article I wrote which was first published in Legacy Coalition’s blog. You can find it at: …https://legacycoalition.com/trust-the-tracks-from-the-past/)
J.D. Wininger
The question your insightful post forced me to ask myself is, “Where will my tracks lead someone?” In my mind, if my answer isn’t always “Christ”, then I’ve got work to do. Thank you Ms. Sylvia. Both convicting and inspiring ma’am.
Sylvia Schroeder
Such a great comment J.D. Thank you. May our tracks lead to the person of Christ.
Jeannie Waters
Sylvia, these sentences spoke to me: “Scripture speaks for itself. It reaches into hearts far more effectively than any person’s words ever could.” So true! And I read it just when I needed it after praying for a friend. Thank you.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Jeannie! I’m not sure how you had time to read and comment, but I am grateful you did! Congratulations on your book A Place at His Table! It’s a lovely reminder of who is at the head!
Barbara Latta
Thanks for prodding us to remember that we do have a legacy to leave behind us. Our tracks are important and we want those behind us to follow the right path.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Barbara. It is an awesome responsibility really, isn’t it?! I want those tracks to lead to Jesus. I appreciate you reading and responding.
Marilyn Krehbiel
Amen!!! Yes praying we stay on “track” of GOD’S truth daily, moment by moment. Thanks Syl, for this reminder of Where are my tracks leading?
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Marilyn. It’s both a burden and a blessing. How I want my tracks to lead to Jesus! I always appreciate hearing from you!
Tracy Smoak
Sylvia,
Love this excerpt from your article: “We don’t need to make the Bible cool. It already is. We have the privilege of opening it up like a desirable flower for others to see the beauty already there.” Thanks for sharing great insights.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Tracy! I’m so glad you weighed in! Thank you for taking the time to read it and so I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Sharon
I really appreciated your article Sylvia. The journey of others and the Word as our navigation system.
Absolute truth, the infallible Word of God, the living Word, love for the law – principles wisdom, and truth of God’s Word, and the hope we find in Christ, the Word.
In a world that seems very ‘unstable’ I so much appreciate the generation of believers older than me, that are standing strong and unwavering in their faith.
Praying my tracks will lead others in the direction of Christ.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Sharon. I appreciate your comments always! Your lives have exemplified faithfulness.