The Garden of the Gods in Colorado is one of the most beautiful spots in America. And God has allowed the Navigators ministry to have their headquarters right there. My first time there was for a national committee meeting, where they worked us very hard. But finally someone suggested a hike to the waterfall. They told me this was some of the most spectacular scenery around these parts. Little did I suspect this was also an initiation for us rookies on the committee. Our walk started out on a nice path that ran next to this roaring mountain stream, and it was really roaring from the recent snowmelt in the mountains. Finally, we walked to this dead-end where there was only a rock wall in front of us. I said, "Where's the waterfall?" "Over there," they said, pointing across the stream. I asked the obvious question, "How do you get to it?' They pointed to this narrow pipe that spanned the stream and they said, "You cross the pipeline." I told them, "You cross the pipeline!" They were expecting me to balance myself on this little pipe and walk across? But that was the only way to get to the incredible beauty on the other side!
Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Crossing The Pipeline."
Standing on the edge of that roaring stream, I realized I had gone as far as I could go safely and so have you. It may very well be that God has led you to a point where He is asking you to move beyond where you feel safe. On the other side are some exciting new discoveries, things your heart is hungry for. You're at the pipeline and so was Abraham.
In our word for today from the Word of God, Genesis 12:1-4. "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people, your father's household, and go to the land I will show you." Notice His first word to Abram, leave. Leave all your comfort, all your security blankets and let Me take you into a place I will show you. What God did in Abraham's life, He does in the lives of all His children. God brings you to the point where you've gone as far as you can go safely. Now He wants you to cross the pipeline.
God tells Abram what's on the other side. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing." That's spectacular scenery, but not if you insist on staying in our comfort zone.
The Bible says, "So Abram left, as the Lord had told him." Abram crossed the pipeline. So did I that day in Colorado and the beauty I saw on the other side was more than worth the risk I took. When Abram moved beyond safety, his life took off like he could have never dreamed. God would like to do something like that for you. But first you'll have to trust Him enough to cross the pipeline.
But you're looking at the "what ifs" and the "coulds" and a lot of unanswered questions. And you're holding back from the step your Lord is asking you to take. In a sense, maybe you're addicted to comfort. And those who are addicted to comfort will, sooner or later, miss the will of God. You may be at that threshold. Remember, this Jesus you follow left the most comfortable place in all the universe for the most uncomfortable place in all the universe - the cross. But on the other side, the glory of the resurrection and the rescue of millions like you and me.
Now that Jesus is asking you to step beyond your comfort zone into a bold and beautiful place you can only get to one way, by crossing the pipeline. You've gone as far as you can go safely. Don't miss what's on the other side. If you'll look on the other side, that's Jesus beckoning to you to come follow Him.