The Fort Bend County Fair was going on the other day and I had the opportunity to take one of our granddaughters and her friend. We had such a fun time and enjoyed numerous rides together.
One ride inparticular was the "Tilt-A-Whirl." You sat in what appeared to be a cup that actually turned around on its own and also the platform it was on turned as well. Let's just say there was a LOT of twisting and turning going on.
The girls put "Gammy" in the middle and quickly the ride attendant switched me to one side. Once the ride started, it quickly became obvious as to why 
I was positioned where I was. You guessed it, the side I was on was the side both girls ended up on as well. As we twirled around and around my right hip bone was being crushed with intensity into this metal side. There was no "adjusting" while this ride was going, we were in FULL "whirling" mode and we were laughing and having fun. Later there was a BIG old knotted bruise to prove my fun :)
What does this have to do with God? I was quickly reminded about how many times we do things that look like much fun and then some times that "fun" turns into "pain," but we could not see that potential pain beforehand. You see the "false" picture we see as "fun" does not always give us all the details. Just for the record...this was a harmless ride with a great analogy for every day living. Would I go on that ride again with those sweet little girls, you bet I would! Except next time I will pad myself :-)
Can you think of a time where you just wanted to have some "fun" and you ended up out of control when something damaging started to occur? Remember, I quickly found myself in this extreme pain from the "fun" but literally helpless to do anything about it. Fortunately, this was not a life threatening decision. Yet another every day way for God to speak to me.
The alcoholic never intends to be an alcoholic. It was just social drinking like everyone else. The problem came when their enjoyment or "fun" started to control them and the choices they made. The drug addict never intended to be an addict. They just wanted to experience what others did. However, they were not capable of stopping their "fun" and now the pain and control was beyond their reach. What about the______________? You fill in the blank. The list could go on and on.
When we walk with the Holy Spirit and invite Him to direct our paths, He is faithful to lead us into pathways that will not harm us or cause pain. Walking with the Holy Spirit as our guide, takes intentional effort on our part.
Acts 8:29 "And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot."
Acts 16:7 "And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." This was for their protection!
In the first scripture, Philip was instructed "To go..." In the second scripture they were instructed NOT to go for their protection. The Holy Spirit instructs according to what is BEST for those of us who are God's children. One way to ensure that our "fun" does not end up "creating and controlling" our future pain is to invite the Holy Spirit into our every day activities and listen to His still small voice!
