Rudy Kalis, long-time sportscaster for WSMV-TV (Channel 4) in Nashville, Tennessee, recently visited our church as guest speaker for a community breakfast. He began his talk with Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." He then shared events from his life story that illustrate how this simple passage has been the thread that tied it all together. Rudy has a powerful and amazing story! Throughout his testimony he passionately challenged us with this repeated phrase: "Look at your own life."

As Rudy shared his life, the words from the Psalmist came to mind:

⁴ So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. ⁵ I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. ⁶ I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

(Psalm 143:4-6, NIV)

What do you see when you look at your own life? Can you, like Rudy Kalis and the Psalmist, see what God's hands have done? Are there times when you look back and wonder how you got through the most difficult circumstances? Can you recall a time when darkness engulfed you, fear oppressed you, and doubt defined you, yet somehow God did something? Has there been a time when you were ready to quit, but didn't? Have there been days, weeks, or months when you wondered if God was listening only to later realize not only was He listening, He was orchestrating events and circumstances for your good?

Look at your life. Look closely. Look deep into your past and reflect on how God was with you, guiding you, comforting you, instructing you, and gently inviting you walk with Him. While you're at it compare how things turned out when you listened to and followed God's lead versus those times when you did it your way. Hold on to those memories as you move forward into the future. When you come to a crossroad, look at your life, weigh your options, and remember what God's hands have done.

Look at your life. Consider what God's hands have done. Live knowing that God is still with you, guiding you, comforting you, instructing you, and gently inviting you to walk with Him. Then, walk with Him.

Tom