Are you on the right path?
-- a Christian Devotional on giving in to God's direction.
By Debra Torres
It was a warm, sunny day – typical weather for the South.
And, I was making my way through one of the poorest neighborhoods in my city.
I was headed to one of the ministry buildings nestled among the slum-like homes in the low-income housing complex.
As a Bible club volunteer, I used to help make the rounds in the neighborhood gathering up children who were willing to come.
The cinder block homes, all set in neat rows, were not hard to navigate, but somehow I’d gotten turned around that day. And I found myself going the wrong way down a one-way street.
The windows of my 1980s Chevy Citation were wide open, so I had no choice but to listen to the ridicule that followed. It seemed like everyone was out on the street and boy did they have an opinion about my mistake.
And, I was making my way through one of the poorest neighborhoods in my city.
I was headed to one of the ministry buildings nestled among the slum-like homes in the low-income housing complex.
As a Bible club volunteer, I used to help make the rounds in the neighborhood gathering up children who were willing to come.
The cinder block homes, all set in neat rows, were not hard to navigate, but somehow I’d gotten turned around that day. And I found myself going the wrong way down a one-way street.
The windows of my 1980s Chevy Citation were wide open, so I had no choice but to listen to the ridicule that followed. It seemed like everyone was out on the street and boy did they have an opinion about my mistake.
“Wrong way … wrong way … WRONG WAY!!” I must have heard it a dozen times before I got to the end of that block.
Whew! Who needed a sign when the whole neighborhood was on duty, right?
I don’t think I ever made that mistake again.
It was a humbling experience, but it makes me wish that I had a little chorus of voices like that to tell me when I’ve gone the wrong way in life.
Wouldn’t that make things a whole lot easier?
Whew! Who needed a sign when the whole neighborhood was on duty, right?
I don’t think I ever made that mistake again.
It was a humbling experience, but it makes me wish that I had a little chorus of voices like that to tell me when I’ve gone the wrong way in life.
Wouldn’t that make things a whole lot easier?
You know what I’m talking about. Those tough choices we all face like: Should I take the job? Should I make the move? Should I get involved? We’ve all got them.
And half the time we don’t know what to do when we need to make a decision for fear of going – okay I’ll go ahead and say it – the WRONG WAY.
You see, on our own, there’s no way we can see what lies ahead, so how do we choose?
A wise man once told me that the best thing to do when you’re stuck on making a life decision is to stand still and wait. Praying and fasting during that season is also a good move.
Though we can’t see what lies up ahead beyond the bend, God can.
The other day I was overcome with anxiety concerning a path that I have chosen to pursue. You see, I want to write for a national or global ministry. But thoughts flow quickly through my head like “You can’t!” “You’ll never get there!” and worst of all “How do you know you’re not going -- the WRONG WAY??”
Ugh!
And half the time we don’t know what to do when we need to make a decision for fear of going – okay I’ll go ahead and say it – the WRONG WAY.
You see, on our own, there’s no way we can see what lies ahead, so how do we choose?
A wise man once told me that the best thing to do when you’re stuck on making a life decision is to stand still and wait. Praying and fasting during that season is also a good move.
Though we can’t see what lies up ahead beyond the bend, God can.
The other day I was overcome with anxiety concerning a path that I have chosen to pursue. You see, I want to write for a national or global ministry. But thoughts flow quickly through my head like “You can’t!” “You’ll never get there!” and worst of all “How do you know you’re not going -- the WRONG WAY??”
Ugh!
Anxious thoughts were pressing down on me that day when I picked up “Jesus Calling,” my new favorite devotional by Sarah Young.
In the book, Young recounts personal messages from God that are biblical.
And she shares them in a devotional format.
So for me, reading this devotional each day is like getting a special message from God that applies to my life.
In the book, Young recounts personal messages from God that are biblical.
And she shares them in a devotional format.
So for me, reading this devotional each day is like getting a special message from God that applies to my life.
That day’s devotional read: “I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged – never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle.
“Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent. … If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.”
Wow. That sure beats going the wrong way – doesn’t it?
And, I like how it’s a reminder not to rush ahead. Sometimes, even though we are on the right path, we like to propel ourselves forward instead of taking things one step at a time holding tight to the hand of God.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be walking slowly with Someone who knows the way than stumbling by myself in the wrong direction.
How about you -- are you on the right path?
“Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent. … If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.”
Wow. That sure beats going the wrong way – doesn’t it?
And, I like how it’s a reminder not to rush ahead. Sometimes, even though we are on the right path, we like to propel ourselves forward instead of taking things one step at a time holding tight to the hand of God.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be walking slowly with Someone who knows the way than stumbling by myself in the wrong direction.
How about you -- are you on the right path?
Here are some Bible verses that'll help you on your journey:
Isaiah 30:21 New International Version 1984
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Psalm 32:8 New Living Translation
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Isaiah 48:17 New Living Translation
17 This is what the Lord says--
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is good for you
and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Isaiah 30:21 New International Version 1984
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Psalm 32:8 New Living Translation
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Isaiah 48:17 New Living Translation
17 This is what the Lord says--
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is good for you
and leads you along the paths you should follow.