Improving on Impalas
August 16, 2010
Some of you may remember the Chevy Impala. That was a popular model when I was a boy. But an impala is more than a car. It is actually an African antelope with tremendous ability to leap and run. In fact, the impala has a vertical leap of over ten feet, and it can broad jump over thirty feet. Is that incredible, or what? Yet, the impala can be found enclosed by a six-foot wall in zoos throughout the country. You may ask how a six-foot wall holds an animal that can jump ten feet into the air. A good question. Here’s the answer. Scientists have found that the impala will not jump unless it can see where it is going to land. Unfortunately, many Christians have the same problem. Like the impala, they have the ability to leap forward and run in freedom and victory. This ability comes from a God who promises to be our provider (Psa. 37:25; Phil. 4:19). A God who promises to bless the work of our hands (Deut. 28:12). It comes from a God who promises to answer our prayers; who assures us that all things are possible (Mk. 11:24; 9:23). But while these saints have the ability to leap toward freedom, like the impala they do not exercise that ability because they cannot “see” where they are going to land. “Will it work? Will I succeed? Can I obtain this?” Instead of trusting God to honor his word and leaping forward to enjoy his blessings in their lives, these believers remain trapped behind short walls of doubt, fear, and regret. What about you, friend? Will you trust God and improve on the impala, today? If we can be of service to you at the West Broad Church of Christ, please let us know. We will be happy to share God’s truth and help you “leap over that wall” into your divine destiny! —JLNJR (Resource: Glad Tidings, Jackson Church of Christ, Vol. 30, 2/4/2010)
