TICKETS

One time I purchased tickets to a concert well in advance, putting them in a safe place. When it came time to go to the concert, I couldn’t find the tickets! Embarrassed, I had to call my friend to tell her our concert date was cancelled.  I never did find the tickets.

Many years ago, Corrie ten Boon spoke in Portland at a gathering of 10,000 people.  She was 82 years old at the time and going strong!  What an inspiration!  I will never forget her message.  She talked about being an “ambassador for Christ.”  She said when God sends us out, He will always give us what we need when we need it.  She gave the example of taking a train ride. She said her father never gave her a ticket ahead of time, but just as she was boarding the train.  

My problem is I want my “ticket” now. I am impatient. I want to know ahead of time what is going to happen, I want to be prepared for any and all circumstances so I can continue the illusion that “I am in control.”  For me, needing to be in control is “unbelief” at its core; not believing that God knows what He is doing and that He has my best interest at heart.

This need for control is how the world works.  If you don’t believe this, just turn on any news broadcast for about 30 seconds and it will become obvious.  And the world is always dragging us down to its level (Romans 12:2 – The Message).  As followers of Christ, we operate under a whole different and more excellent paradigm called “faith.”  This is not a faith where we are blindfolded and led around in circles, but faith based on the sure Word of God. 

That faith is our “FREE first class ticket,” paid for through the shed blood of Christ on the Cross. It is what empowers us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  There may be “turbulence” along the way, but our destination is secure and God will give us what we need for the journey. 

And one more thing, don’t “hide your ticket.”  Instead, tell others how they can get their FREE tickets, too!