Our journey with the Lord is filled with twists and turns. In many ways our life resembles the scenic route. Have you ever been on a journey through the countryside and marveled at all the wonderful scenery as you drive along? A road with many twists and turns and hills seems much more scenic than just a straight road running through flat countryside. How has the Lord used the scenic twists and turns in your life to shape you into the person you are?
Faith is a Journey
Rarely is our journey of life and faith straightforward. Life is hardly easy and often has many twists and turns, roadblocks and speed bumps which makes it hard to see where God is leading. Life itself is a journey that begins at birth and ends with death. Our lives are a series of journeys that shape and mold us into who we are. God often takes us on unexpected and surprising turns. Until a short time ago, I didn’t even know what a blog was, never mind how to write one. Now, at least for a season, God has me writing daily blogs.
The Lord Took Israel on the Scenic Route for His Purpose
Exodus 13:18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. [1] The Lord could have taken the Israelites on an easier journey, but He had a purpose for the long route. God used the Red Sea to save Israel from their enemy. Israel was allowed to see the miracle of the parting of the sea which gave them an escape route. Then God closed the path through the sea and destroyed the Egyptian army. God’s plan often has detours that we can only understand in retrospect or on the other side of eternity.
Jesus Wants to Guide Your Journey
You were not created to carve out your path through this life alone. I tried that in my life and found out the hard way that did not work. Your heavenly Father longs to be a guide throughout all the twists and turns of life through His word and the work of the Holy Spirit. He longs to shepherd you to greener pastures and still waters. The Lord longs to protect you and provide for you. He longs to lead you to a life with more fullness of joy, peace, and purpose than any life you could ever discover on your own.
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [2] God cannot lead where you will not follow; faith begins with trust in God. The biggest, scariest step in one’s life is to let go of control and turn it over to God. Remember, God’s plan for your life is much better than our human plans. He will give you His peace as you learn to trust Him.
Jesus calls us today much as He called Matthew. Matthew 9:9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. [3]
Prayer
Jesus, Your light is the only light I need as I travel through life’s mystery. Your word the only voice I hear, that still small voice that leads me to the place where I should be. Lord, Your presence is the only company I need, as I walk this narrow road and Your fellowship the warmth I crave to help me on my way. [4]
To hear how our journey with the Lord is filled with twists and turns, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-joseph-moses
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] https://www.faithandworship.com/prayer_journey.htm#gsc.tab=0