We all must enter the path to relationship with our Creator, Father God, and to the hope of eternal life through one narrow door-our belief in and receiving of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Savior and Lord. (John 14:16, Acts 16:31) But, you and I all know that the life path that we walk after we make Jesus our Lord, and before we enter into eternity, is a very individual one. No two journeys through this life look alike. The truth is, there has been more than one occasion when I have glanced over at someone else that I think is on a much easier path than mine and asked God why. However, I've also observed someone whose life path has been so much more difficult than mine, and felt ashamed of ever complaining. I assume you can relate.
I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you as I have pondered some of these things this week.
God will show you the path of life.
The path God wants you to walk never has to be a mystery. If you are willing to follow Him, if you have made the choice to yield and submit to His direction, if you are committed to obeying Him, then it will be impossible to not be on the path He has for you. If you get to a spot where you are stuck on what your next step is or which direction you are to go, stand still and be quiet until you hear what to do next.(Isaiah 30:21) If you make a wrong turn or ignore one of God's directions, repent and get back on the path and then simply keep moving forward.
Just because we are doing our best to follow God, that does not mean our path will be easy. Sometimes we can foolishly and willfully insist on our own way and wander off of the path that God wants us to walk. Proverbs 19:3 describes the results of doing so. "The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord." We wander off on our own, wind up in a mess, then are resentful and angry at God.
But, let's assume that most of us are committed to following Jesus. We are submitting ourselves and yielding ourselves to Him. We want to stay in the center of His will. And then our path takes twists and turns, testing and trials come that we didn't expect and sure didn't want. We question God. "Why me?" "What did I do wrong?" The truth is, the Bible sheds some light on our struggle. Not one single Bible hero/heroine had a smooth, easy, pain free path! For example, this week I reread the story of Joseph. WoW! His life path included the worst kind of betrayal, false accusation, and undeserved imprisonment. Yet, God's favor and blessing was still on Joseph even when his circumstances were awful. Unbeknownst to Joseph at the time, his rocky, winding road was leading him right into a position of power and influence.
Who we are on the path with makes all the difference.
Yes, our path through life can take some unexpected twists and turns. We can face some rough and rocky places. But, if the Presence of God is our companion on the journey, there is strength, comfort, and even joy through all of the ups and downs we face. Moses knew that the Presence of God was his utmost necessity.
"Moses said to God, “Look, you tell me, ‘Lead this people,’ but you don’t let me know whom you’re going to send with me. You tell me, ‘I know you well and you are special to me.’ If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don’t forget, this is your people, your responsibility.”God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”God said to Moses: “All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name.” Exodus 33:12-17
Grab God's hand.
It's comforting to know that whenever the path gets rough, steep or scary, God's hand is always there to hold on to. " You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11AMPC God's right hand is the place of honor. As we walk the path of life with God, we are walking it as His beloved son/daughter. His strong hand is there for us whenever we are afraid, or weak or weary. All we have to do is reach up and grab hold of Him. I'm so very thankful for that, aren't you?
Thank you for the reminder, that God is our constant on this pilgrim journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat insights and encouragement!
A lovely and so often much needed reminder that He is with us on the path!
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