I Didn’t Tell You, Because You Didn’t Want Me To.
I Didn’t Tell You, Because You Didn’t Want Me To.
The old preacher sat on a rock at the fork in the road. The many years of struggle showed on his face, and in the stoop of his shoulders. He watched as travelers passed him by.
Some of his preacher friends and acquaintances stopped a moment or two to chat before continuing their journey. Many came in groups, others by themselves, but they all walked down the road.
The children of his friends walked the road too, some of them walked with their parents, others walked alone.
Most everyone nodded in acknowledgement and smiled at him while continuing on their journey. A few stopped and sat on the rock beside him to visit for a while before walking on.
The old preacher noticed that a large number did not hesitate when they came to the fork in the road. They as if by some predetermination chose which path to walk.
There were those who paused and stared at the signposts, as if unsure. One or two fumbled for their map as if to verify which road would be best.
Those who still seemed unsure of which path to choose, changed from looking at the road signs, to looking at the other travellers. If by chance they happened to see a friend that looked like they knew what path to choose, they simply followed without further ado.
Every now and then one of the young travellers that stood reading the signposts turned to the old man for advice.
“Which fork in the road should I choose?” They asked.
The old preacher would look up at their sincere faces and without hesitation point in the direction that he knew was best. Some sneered, and walked down the other road anyway. Some followed his advice.
Occasionally travelers would return to the fork of the road to look at the signs again, as if to confirm their choice.
One young preacher who had walked down the wrong path quite a ways returned to the old man and began to chastise him.
“Why didn’t you stop me? Why didn’t you tell me that was the wrong path? Why didn’t you tell me how much I would lose if I walked down that path? Why didn’t you tell me I was in delusion to believe it was a better road? I thought you were a friend to my family, and me but you didn’t stop me and tell me which road to go! Why?
The old man didn’t get offended. He looked at the son of his friend, and then began.
“You know I love you, I love your father too. You know what road he walked down, but you felt comfortable in ignoring that fact because your friends and popular people have influenced you.
“I noticed you watching me as I pointed out the right way to others. You chose to ignore this old man’s advice.
“The reason I never told you personally which road to walk down is because you never wanted to know bad enough to ask. Maybe you didn’t want to hear the word, NO! I didn’t tell you because you didn’t want me to.
“If I had told you which path to choose without you asking, you would have taken that as an insult to your intelligence. You would have felt I was interfering in your business, so I held my peace as I held my breath.
“Those who ask for direction really want help. Those who don’t ask will soon need help. It’s a mistake of youth to reject the paths of their fathers in serving the Lord.
“You once believed your choices to always be accurate. Your delusion made it feel that it was God that was guiding you, now you have fear and regret because of your great losses. It’s the mercies of the Lord that you have returned to this point.
“The bad news is there are some things you will never regain. But, the final chapter has not been written. Remember hearing your father singing the song, “It’s Not the First Mile”?
“The real question my son, is now that you know which road is right, which one will you choose?”
With a thankful embrace and a sincere apology, the young man turned and walked back to the fork. This time he chose the one marked, “The Old Path.”
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Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
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Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
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What an awesome post! Thank you!
Heidi
January 23, 2013 at 8:51 am
I really get this message thanks Grandpa
Garrison
January 23, 2013 at 10:01 am
Thank you Garrison! Your response made me cry this morning! I sure love you son, and am very proud of you! Every generation has to get this for themselves! I am thrilled you did too!!
Love and Prayers,
Papa B.
Martyn Ballestero
January 23, 2013 at 10:20 am
Dad I never cease to be amazed by your God given Gifts, the anointing on your Ministry, and the wisdom in which you articulate the Message. So thankful that you showed me the way and we have the privilege of traveling on this wonderful road together.
Bryan Ballestero
January 23, 2013 at 11:21 am
Thank you son. Not much else in this life could make a father any happier, but to know that his children walk in Truth. I thrill that my family is enjoying the journey. Proud of you son and love you very much!
Martyn Ballestero
January 23, 2013 at 12:04 pm
this means alot to me. I am the only one left in my family of my mom, dad, brother, and sister, that is believing and living the truth. I left for about 6 years and went my own way,. but because of the path my dad had taken, i knew how to turn around and head the right way. sadly, he has chosen his own path in his later years. it breaks my heart to see him cold and not on fire like he was when i was younger. i pray for him everyday, all of them! your messages touch my heart everytime. you are truly blessed. i look forward to hearing your wife at ladies retreat and am anxious for your trip to chehalis WA. 🙂
Lisa Burgess
January 23, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Awesome story…but sooooooo true.. how many wrong turns have I taken?.. Only God knows.!! so thankful for His Love & Mercy..I love Him…Thanks Brother..what an inspiration.!!!
Linda Evans Williams Hill
January 23, 2013 at 2:24 pm
What a very timely post. I hope lots of folks see it. It is so needed. Thanks for sacrificing your time to remind us.
B J
January 23, 2013 at 2:48 pm
As I sit with tears in my eyes knowing that I am that young man, I find myself thankful for men like you & Pastor Trammell. It’s hard living without a father who doesn’t care about you. God has placed men like you in my life who have filled that paternal void with more love and direction than I could ever ask for. Thank you for writing this. You are a true man of God.
Buba Brywczynski
January 24, 2013 at 11:42 am
Thank you for your gracious words. I love you so much, friend. I am proud of you and your humble spirit. My life is blessed to have you in it. Praying much for you as you journey through your current health problems. In Jesus Name!
Martyn Ballestero
January 24, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Elder Ballestero,
The insight of a New Testament Seer !
Dwayne Christensen
January 24, 2013 at 6:47 pm
You are too kind. Love ya man!
Martyn Ballestero
January 24, 2013 at 8:25 pm
As a 5th generation-er, I’m so thankful for the heritage that I have. But what good would the other 4 before me do if I don’t continue to journey down the “old path?” Usually by the 3rd generation the “path” gets a little wider and the message diminished. I’m glad to say that today the “old path” is getting smaller and I can hear those in a “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on the old path! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Elder, you are truly a man of God!
Brian Enochs
January 26, 2013 at 9:49 pm
Thanks for writing! As we see so many choosing wrong, I pray that I am pointing others the right way in all I do and say…
Michael Gurley
January 27, 2013 at 1:26 am
Awesome..everyone needs to read this…it’s so true…made me cry..!!!! Something to ready think about…God bless & thanks..!!
Linda Evans Williams Hill
February 5, 2013 at 2:06 pm