I once read a story about a young naval ensign on his first assignment. He was given the responsibility of preparing the ship for launch… and he was nervous. Remembering everything he’d learned in training, the young sailor yelled commands and readied the vessel for the voyage. He accomplished his tasks in record time… and with a proud voice… gave the order to leave the dock. Soon after they were out into open water, the ensign received a message. It was from the captain. It read “My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. But next time, you might wait until your captain is aboard before setting off.”
Oops… Ever make that mistake? Have you ever been so anxious and excited that you forgot to put first things first? Many do… In fact, many take off and do things in their lives without waiting for God to be a part of it. Isaiah 40:31 says to do otherwise: “But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Is it ok to be excited? Ready? Prepared to set the direction for our lives? Yes! However, if we do so without making sure God is onboard first, we will grow tired and quickly drift off course. Seek God first. Wait on Him to answer. And then proceed… and it will be smooth sailing the whole way.
