We sat in the middle of Hughes Auditorium as a student played the guitar. Asbury University is experiencing a revival. It is lady-like, a time of quiet prayer, hands lifted toward heaven, repentance and focus on worship. A sweet, tender atmosphere fills the place and our hearts.
The day was icy cold. Bundled children came in holding their parent’s hands. What a delight to have them give honor and worth to our Lord. In the early morning the auditorium wasn’t as full as it had been the night before and would be later. People came in quietly, voices hushed, eyes focused on the altar or the stained-glass windows revealing the life of Christ. Light glinted on the students and aged heads bowed in prayer including ours.
The words the young man spoke still resonate with me. Alexander the Great burned his ships so they either had victory over the Persians and sailed back to Greece with Persian ships or they died trying.
What ships do I need to burn, Lord?
What is holding me to this earth or the idols man has created that keep me from full devotion to You?
You said to your disciples, Lord Jesus, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24 NKJV.
What does this mean for me?
After a few minutes of worship, the young man also spoke of burning our maps. You see, I’ve plans. Dreams. Expectations. They are as dross to the Lord. He has created me to glorify Him. How is that to be born out in my life? In yours?
There are also maps from my past. Some are folded and set aside never to be examined again. Although they were part of my journey, they did not honor You. Some are filled with wonder at the paths of grace You have guided me on. But others, Lord, tug at my heart. Those maps contain memories of loss, rejection, and anguish. Show me, Lord, which maps need to be laid on Your altar and burned.
Jeanette-Marie Mirich 