This is the way; walk in it.

Isa 30:21 NIV

James Michener said he had a neighbor whose tree stopped producing apples, so he hammered rusty nails around the trunk. That year he got his greatest crop of apples. He said, 'Hammering those nails in was a shock to remind the tree that its job is to grow apples.' Unscientific, maybe - but it worked! Michener explained how heart bypass surgery, hip surgery and a bout with vertigo were nails God hammered into the trunk of his life. It got his attention! Realizing he wasn't going to live forever he got busy and in five years authored eleven books - including best sellers. 'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but... Later... it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace' (Heb 12:11 NIV). Verdell Davis says, 'There are things we could and should do something about. For example, the loss of material comforts can move us to simplify our lives. A clinical depression can lead us to seek help, and to healthier ways of living and relating. Losing a job we performed well can allow us to uncover gifts and talents we didn't know we had. The loss of some physical capacity can push us to develop other ways of performing, that enrich all who come our way.' Harold Sala adds, 'Let's face it, when those rusty nails get hammered in we take notice and our lives become productive. [They're] delivered with the exhortation to get on with the business before us. The Father's love allows the hammer blows to goad us into accomplishing the full measure of His will.' So when you get a wake-up call from God saying, 'This is the way; walk in it,' pay attention!