One day during my devotional time, this thought came to my mind: “Don’t let life happen to you. Let life happen through you.”

The first phrase described me to a T, for I tended to see life as something coming at me. I felt like a worn-out dartboard. I was using all my energies to shield myself from the darts of life’s trials.

But the second phrase, “Let life happen through you,” presented a different approach. Instead of dodging life’s fiery darts, I was to let God’s life and love be channeled through me, blessing me on its way to blessing others.

I chose that day to become God’s pipeline instead of life’s dartboard. Then I could begin living more effectively for Him.

Some days I revert to being a dartboard, but I soon run out of the love and power to bless others. Then through confession, faith, and obedience, I reconnect myself to my heavenly supply center and resume pipeline living.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul mentioned the many troubles he was facing. Yet he was determined to be a channel of blessing by allowing God to work through him.

What about you? Are you a dartboard or a pipeline? It’s a challenge and a choice for every believer.  — Joanie Yoder