I've gotta get a new phone...again. *Deep extended sigh* For some people, this would be a cause for celebration, but not me. I don't enjoy frequent change. I like consistency, predictability, and normalcy. It makes me feel stable.
Anyway, for those of you who have followed this blog for at least three months, you know all about how my last phone conked out on me and I was forced to upgrade. Well, in the process of upgrading, my husband and I changed networks. We transitioned from Sprint to Nextel... which didn't seem like too big a deal, since both networks are essentially handled by the same company.
We absolutely loved Sprint. So we figured, hey, Nextel's right in the family; this shouldn't be a problem, right?
Well... that's where we were wrong. *Deep sigh with an extended grunt on the end through clenched teeth this time*
Apparently, Sprint runs on a digital network, while Nextel runs on analog--a completely different system. As a result, I've been experiencing all kinds of delays when receiving text messages and emails. Calls drop for no apparent reason and sometimes, the calls, texts, voice messages, and emails, never even come through at all.
Finally, after an extended period of haggling and frustration, Kenya and I have decided we've had enough. We're going right back where we came from... to Sprint. From this ordeal, we've learned that, just because people phones are in the same family, doesn't mean they are the same.
Just as is the case with the phone saga, if we're not careful, we can run into trouble by changing our "network" of relationships, alliances, and connections. You see, oftentimes, in our pursuit of productivity and forward progression, we unwittingly get tied to people and things that are not of God and this causes all kinds of problems. That's why it behooves us to be careful about jumping into things, without being certain about whether or not we really need to move in a particular direction.
We need the Lord to order our steps and guide our choices. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way" (Psalm 37:23 KJV). Ask yourself; are my steps being ordered, or am I ordering my own steps?
I can't speak for anybody else, but I know that some of my most difficult tests and trials have come as a result of launching out into something on my own, without being led by God to do so. From those trying times, I've learned that our lives can quickly be filled with contention, strife and unnecessary drama, if we get connected to the wrong network.
If I was in church I would say, "Look at your neighbor and tell 'em, it's your network..."
As a result, on occasion, God will challenge us to reconstruct our circle, discontinue some relationships, and redefine key roles. In such cases, if we obey, we'll experience the blessings of the Lord, including more peace and joy.
Listen; every connection that seems good isn't good and unless we're sure we've heard from God, we need to be careful about who and what we get tied to. I encourage you to allow the Lord to enlighten you and show you which path you need to take.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
