I grew up near Pittsburgh, and since I’m now living here for
a while, I’m reminded of the “Tunnel Monsters” of the Burgh. Everyone, and I
mean everyone, slows from 65mph to 10mph…and sometimes, 0mph, simply because
they have to drive through a tunnel. Since there are no obstructions, no
surprises, and cops stay away for fear of slowing us down even more, the
Pittsburghers decided a Tunnel Monster must occasionally show up
and eat a car or two, and people fear they could be next.
While the Tunnel Monster is a humorous means for locals to
deal with their daily frustration of tunnel crawl, we as Christians tend to do
the same thing. That is, day-after-day, we travel the road of life with God in
the lead. While walking our path He set before us, occasionally we see a
mountain or possible trouble in the distance so we slow down and begin to
question His wisdom.
Are you sure, God?
I know you have
gotten me through, over, or around other mountains, but that one is huge—are
you sure?
We not only slow down ourselves, but those around us in our
sphere of influence. I wonder how much people watch us and wonder if we see a
tunnel monster or some other evil greater than God’s power.
Why are you hesitating?
Why do you slow?
Where is your faith?
"I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24
We tend to mock the Israelites because, despite unbelievable
demonstrations of God’s might, they continually questioned Moses and God. The
Israelites’ path caused them to face death at every turn due to starvation,
dehydration, impassable mountains, the Red Sea, warring armies, and giants.
Most of us, at worst, might face a harsh word, leaving family and friends, and
the unknown, so we slow, stop, and some turn around and go back to “Egypt”, our place of comfort, "I know, but my family lives here…so..."
The problem is not what they did…it is what we do or don't do.
We have watched God do things in our lives, in the lives of others, and
the world that we live in, and yet, we question Him daily.
As we get closer to the mountain, we sometimes find that God
has provided a tunnel or a way through the problem. We are relieved we don’t
have to hike this one. Going over the mountain is exhausting and can take lots
of time, energy, and courage. But this time God carved a tunnel, so we should
be good to go—right?
Sadly, wrong!
We still slow down. We still question. We still double and triple look
for a tunnel monster.
What if, however, there is a note-worthy opponent—so what!
The God who created everything, transcends time, and raised Jesus from the dead
is leading you on this path. You can run and cower by yourself or stand firm
with the clout of God’s might.
It’s your call.
As ridiculous and absurd as the Tunnel Monster is in
Pittsburgh, so are we who daily question the God who created us, loves us, and
died to save us from His wrath to come.
Isn’t it time to move
forward with maximum speed?
Isn’t it time to take our foot off the brake and put it back on the gas
pedal?
We need to stop
slowing down; our indecisiveness affects the progress of the gospel!
The other side is on the other side….DRIVE ON!
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do
things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be
lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for
anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Mth. 21:21-22
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'We tend to mock the Israelites because, despite unbelievable demonstrations of God’s might, they continually questioned Moses and God.'
ReplyDeleteYes, that sounds totally believable.
Thank you for commenting, Steven, but please help me understand your point. Thank you.
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