Many of the problems of life could be solved if a person just knew what was ahead. Over the years, I have had many people who sat in front of my desk and told me that had they known that things would turn out the way they did, they would have done something different earlier in life.
Years ago, a friend had several thousand dollars to invest. After doing extended research, he invested all of his savings into a company that had developed a camera that would instantly print out the picture. It was a sure thing. At that time, most people were buying cameras that used film. After taking a full roll of pictures, the film had to be taken out of the camera, taken to a developer, and after several days of waiting, the finished pictures would arrive. My friend felt this instant camera was a no-lose situation. After all, everyone would want to see the picture immediately.
Little did my friend know that in the process of time there would be two major drawbacks. First, the camera would only print one picture and there was no negative to make duplicates. And secondly, the digital age took away the need for film completely. Pictures were instant and digital. Not only could they be printed, but also emailed around the world in seconds at no cost. Needless to say, the camera company went bankrupt and all my friend’s funds were lost. If only he had seen the warning signs of what was ahead, he would have invested differently, and his funds would have been secure.
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.”
In the business world, there is a phrase, “knowledge is power.” Some people feel that if they know everything that has happened, the knowledge of the past will equip them for the future. However, it’s not the past that equips us. While it is true that many times history repeats itself, my friend made a poor business decision because he based it totally upon history. He felt that because the camera company had done so well in the past, that all of their ventures in the future would yield the same results. But it didn’t work out that way. Instead of looking into the past, he should have looked forward and made decisions based upon the warning signs on the highway of life. Had he looked ahead with open eyes, he would have seen the digital age on the horizon. But by looking back, he could not see the future and the result was destruction of his finances.
Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will tell us about the future. (John 16:13). In other words, if we are led by the Spirit of God, then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. As a Christian, we must always be led by the Holy Spirit. Only then will be shown the warning signs of life and be able to avoid the disasters that are ahead.
The Bible gives us the warning signs of life. The Bible tells us what we should say and what we should not say. The Bible tells us where we should go and where we should not go. The Bible tells us what we should do and what we shouldn’t do. The Bible tells us who we should choose as friends and who we should avoid. These are warnings and when we couple the written instructions in the Bible with the leading of the Holy Spirit, then our investments of time, friendships, and even our finances will be guided in such a way that will produce life, health, and prosperity.
If you are driving in the dark and don’t see a warning sign that says there’s a bridge out ahead, you will be destroyed. But in the light of His Word and by the guidance of His Spirit, you not only see the “bridge out ahead” sign, but you also see the detour sign that will guide you around the destruction.
Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law. (Gal. 3:13). He did this by being our substitute and defeating the works of the devil. Then, by His Spirit He inspired a book to be written that would guide us into all truth and through His written Word and the leading of His Spirit, we will know the truth and the truth will guide us into freedom.
So as you travel the highway of life, keep yourself full of God’s Word. Never allow yourself to get near empty. Be led by His Spirit, keeping your eyes forward, “forgetting those things which are behind” (Phil. 3:13). As you look forward, His Spirit will reveal to you things to come. There will be no surprises; there will be no fear as we walk through life in The Blessing.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.