Line Changes

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

One of my favorite sports is ice hockey. I love the action of the game and the high level of physical intensity demonstrated by the players. When you watch a hockey game for the first time, one of the unique qualities you notice is the line changes that each team undertakes. Midstream in a game you will see players coming over the boards onto the ice while others go over the boards into the player’s box. The coach directs these line changes to refresh weary players, more evenly match on ice players with their opponents or to focus talent for an offensive or defensive thrust.

Over the years, I have seen God perform many line changes in my life. The team that started an endeavor with me is not the same team that finishes the game. At other times a specialist entered my life for a brief time to help me through difficulties, hone my skills or point me in new directions. We see one of these personnel adjustments take place in the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.

Acts 8:39 (NASB)
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing.

God placed Philip in the Ethiopian’s life for just a moment in time, but that moment was a critical moment. Philip’s presence was necessary to bring understanding to the man’s search of the scriptures. Philip was God’s specialist for this critical juncture in the Ethiopian’s eternal journey. Philip had been carefully prepared for just such a moment.

Today you may find yourself in the midst of a changing life roster. The support system you thought would always be there have gone their separate ways and new faces are appearing in their place. Don’t be discouraged over those who have gone, but instead thank the Lord for the influence they have been. Thank Him for sending in those new faces who will become the supporting cast members who are necessary for you to make the next leg of life’s journey.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl