WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

     This is an expression that many of us have heard from time to time.  It is supposedly one that means, "this is where we get  down to the plain facts," or "this is where we talk about the  real issues."
     Jeremiah is one of the most personable prophets in the Old Testament.  He is not afraid to voice his fears and concerns.  On one occasion he said the following:
     "O Lord, Thou hast deceived me and I was deceived; Thou hast overcome me and prevailed.  I have become a laughingstock all day long; Everyone mocks me.  For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, Because for me the word of the Lord has resulted in reproach and derision all day long.  But if I say, "I will not remember Him or speak any more in His name," Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it." (Jer. 20:7- 9).
     You see, Jeremiah had learned one essential truth to being a servant of God: One must make the truth of God's word a part of themselves.  When this happens, there is no more Sunday only Christians.  It is impossible to be anything else but a committed Christian every day of your life.
     This, brethren, is where the "rubber meets the road."  Like Jeremiah, we might decide that we will not be as faithful, but when we get down to practicing this new decision - we can not follow through.  God is just too important to us.  His Word is too ingrained in us.  Isn't this what God really wants from us anyway? (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:8-12)

 

--Denny Petrillo