“I will even make a road in the wilderness” (Isa. 43:19).
You can always tell the difference between negative people and positive people. The negative have a flare for defining the problem, while the positive have a gift for pointing out the solution.
It would be easy to be a “problem definer” these days; there’s plenty of material available. Our environment reminds us constantly that “it’s a jungle out there.” Daily we are inundated by the media with reports of human depravity, crime, and violence. And, unfortunately, the vast majority of this information is factual and valid. We do indeed live in a “wilderness.”
But if we are not careful, our conversation can easily become affected by all the negatives we see and hear around us. We can begin to major on the problem instead of the solution. It really isn’t very edifying to continuously talk about the wilderness, especially when the Lord has told us through His prophet that He has provided a way through this “barren wasteland.”
Positive people talk more about the “road” than they do the wilderness. The Lord made that road. He has already walked it ahead of us. We know it is safe, reliable, and trustworthy. Others before us have safely traversed it from infancy to senior life. We are not consigned to groping through life trying to find out direction. The road itself is clear direction – the way to eternal and abundant life.
Take your choice: Define the problem, or declare the solution. Major in “wilderness talk” or “road talk.” Talk over the woes, or talk up the way!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.