Stop the Train (I want to get off)
Sunday, August 18, 2002 (19:35:39)

Posted by Rod

You have heard the expression, "Stop the train, I want to get off."

When I was a kid, we took a train ride from Kansas City to Chicago. I still remember the constant noise and rocking rhythm of the car as we traveled down the tracks. As a child, the experience of riding the train is exciting. That excitement fades as we grow older, but some people still ride virtual trains whether they want to or not.

Momentum is what helps get a train down the track. A train slowly gains speed and momentum. The same holds true for many activities in life.

Momentum can be a good thing when it is moving in the direction we want to go. The momentum of marriage takes some time to build up. Once it is rolling, it usually keeps moving even when we encounter debris on the tracks. Little problems in life will not derail a marriage. Even large obstacles are handled gracefully when two people have been traveling together for a while and become familiar with each other. Trouble occurs when there is a problem that is not addressed and dealt with immediately. The train slows to a crawl or might even come to a stop. If positive motion is not restarted, a different kind of momentum begins. Now the train is traveling in another direction. Positive redirection must immediately be applied or the momentum will build. Some people wake up one day and realize that momentum is taking them places they do not want to go, but few have the courage to stop the momentum and get off the train or turn it around. It is even more difficult when others are riding the train with you and do not have the courage, strength or desire to change. What then? The farther you travel the wrong way, the longer it takes to return. Problems are harder to deal with, the longer we ignore them. Make sure the momentum in your life is taking you where you want to go, whether it involves your marriage, job, social activities or spiritual life. If you are heading in the wrong direction, stop the train. It takes courage and strength to address momentum in our lives. You may be the only one who knows or cares that you or others are headed in the wrong direction. You may not immediately receive support. You may never receive support, but you must address the issue that the train you are on is heading in the wrong direction. We must address sinful momentum and change directions in order to be saved. Luke 13:3 says that unless we repent (turn around), we will all perish. We must turn the train around. Analyze the momentum in your life. See if it is moving in the direction you want to go. If you are the reason, or even partly the reason for heading in the wrong direction, deal with the sin. Repentance is the first step toward a walk with God. - Rod