Does that make sense you at all? Ready, fire, aim? It seems like something is a little out of order, does it not? I mean, what's the point of aiming after you've fired?
This is a concept that my dad mentioned almost casually, offhandedly, tonight when we were eating supper. He and I had some quality father/son time, and were discussing my probable soon move to Michigan to start attending Andrews University. I was musing over the fact that I didn't have everything figured out about what I'm going to be doing there, particularly as far as financial aid is concerned. But I agreed with my dad, that sometimes it isn't so utterly necessary that all one's proverbial ducks be in a row, especially in a situation like this. What's more important is that I get my lazy little tush over there and envelope myself in an atmosphere of learning and bettering myself, and good will come of it.
If it's God's will that I go there, He'll work it out. And if He works it out, and I don't have all the details laid out perfectly yet, well... He's in control and I can trust that He has them constructed however perfectly so as to fit His master plan.
Ready. Fire. Aim.
For this reason, it behooves me not to get so caught up in the aiming right now. I'm clearly ready. If I spend too much time aiming, the window of opportunity will be rudely slammed in my face, and all hope of firing will be gone. So I must simply fire, and trust that God will direct my efforts as I'm propelled forward.
I'm reminded of a conversation I overheard when I was at Fountainview Academy's graduation a month or so ago. A close friend of mine was discussing a similar dilemma in his own experience, and he said something rather profound. He said that as long as he was moving forward, God could turn him wherever He pleased. But if he was standing still (caught up in the aiming process, perhaps...?), God couldn't redirect him. To turn a car to the right or left, you have to first press the gas. Without forward motion, redirection is impossible.
Ready. Fire. Aim.
Because I am ready, I feel the time has come to fire. I will leave the burden of aiming to God-- I think He's a much better shot than I am.
My question, then, is this: Where else can this apply?
Ready. Fire. Aim.
Where does it not apply?
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The greatest want of the world is the want of men-- men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
About Me
- Matt
- Just a guy living his life, striving to follow Christ and to find the joy in the journey.
6 comments:
Hey, I can agree with that, in most cases a long aiming process can actually hinder progress. I think Ready, Fire, Aim can work great in a lot of scholastic situations, but it probably is not too great in a relationships setting, that could be bad news!
The Israelites walked to the shore- ready. They stepped in the water- fire. The way opened- aim.
However, a case could be made that they were aiming for the other side in general before stepping in. So...
How about Ready, Turn, Fire, Aim.
Turn in the general direction. You know, you have to be morally sound at the very least. We don't want to unleash random bullets in the direction of the congregation now do we?!!
Going to Andrews to be in the right atmosphere = Turn?
Alrighty, Matty, here are my thoughts on this…
I think there are two main types of people, and then a smaller third type of people, generally speaking…there are variations on the themes, but in general, these are the categories: one of them go into things with a vision but without any plans, trusting that everything will get taken care of. These people usually fail. Then, there are the people that go into things with plans, but they are non-compromising, making their plans the Holy Grail. These people also fail, by and large. Then there is the small group of people that go into things with vision and plans, yet they are more than willing to change those plans, or even get a new set of plans, if the circumstances dictate it to be so. These people succeed, on the large part, because they took time to prepare a basic plan of action.
I think that you are right to a degree, in that getting caught up in the details can result I having the door of opportunity slammed in your face. But where do you draw the line between stupidity and faith? I think that having a general plan of action that is flexible according to God’s direction is the best course of action, regardless of the task at hand. I think it to be irresponsible when no planning is put with the God-given vision you may have.
On the flip side, you are not responsible for the outcome of the planning for the vision or task, when it’s from the Lord. You plan, yes, but a basic outline, for God to fill in the details, since He is the only one who really knows the details anyway; things change. Ultimately, you may not know the “how”, but if you know the “Who”, you’re alright.
Simon
P.S.
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
~1Cr 13:12
What can I say that has not been said? Many words of wisdom have been shared. Since I find myself without words I will be content with this message's sole purpose being to let you know that I read it. :)
Firing is the decision to go to school now and the corresponding actions toward that end. Right now we're aiming at Andrews. If that avenue doesn't work out, we redirect and aim at Walla Walla.
Ready Fire Aim doesn't mean no plan or vision. That come prior to Ready. Hence *Ready*.
Firing is an act of faith. It's the Ready person moving forward. Aiming depends on a feedback loop. If you believe God is sovereignly guiding you and you're seeking Him in prayer, He'll get you aiming in the right direction.
Cool thing is that you'll also learn thru the process. Most especially to rely upon Him to guide you as you keep moving forward in faith.
Love you Matt.
Proverbs 16:9 - "A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." So keep planning, but change your plans around where God takes you day to day, not vice versa.
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