The Secret to Finding the Right Path
Exodus 13:21-22
I often meet Christians who are caught in a struggle, trying to find the ‘right path.’ When faced by a fork in the road they stand trying to figure out which way God would want them to go. Motivated by a desire to follow God at all times, they have difficulty recognizing his will for their lives. This leads to frustration and failure, causing them to become stagnant in their faith. Why do God’s children have such a difficult time deciding which way to turn? I believe this inner struggle is the result of focusing on the choices at hand instead of keeping our eyes on God.
When leading the nation of Israel out of Egypt God provided a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. This pillar was the presence of God going before the people and guiding them on their journey to the Promised Land. The pillar remained present during most of their journey, giving the people a tangible sign of God’s direction. The people of Israel did not have to worry about maps or about punching the right address into a GPS unit. They only had to focus on God and they would have remained on the right path.
Unfortunately this journey did not end well for most of the adults. When they reached the border of the Promised Land the people chose to focus on the choice instead of on the pillar. Given the option of fighting giants or returning to Egypt they chose to return and forfeited God’s promise (Numbers 13:25-14:23) They got so caught up in trying to figure out what was right for them, the people forgot to consider the power of God.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
I do not believe it is our responsibility to discover the right path. Instead I believe we, like the people of Israel, are called to follow the pillar. But while they had something visible to follow we are called to follow one who is invisible. In promising to direct our path God tells us we must do two things. First we must trust completely in God. We must be willing to follow him even when our own understanding causes us to question the path he has chosen. Second we must acknowledge God in all circumstances. Put him first in your heart, recognizing his true nature and you will be compelled to recognize his authority in every situation.
Life has its twists and turns, and our free will allows us to make choices. Don’t waste time agonizing over which path is right. Turn your eyes to God and focus solely on him. He has promised to lead you according to his perfect will.
See also: "God’s Vision or the Pizza I Ate"
"Following God’s Vision"
"Acknowledging God: The Promise"
I often meet Christians who are caught in a struggle, trying to find the ‘right path.’ When faced by a fork in the road they stand trying to figure out which way God would want them to go. Motivated by a desire to follow God at all times, they have difficulty recognizing his will for their lives. This leads to frustration and failure, causing them to become stagnant in their faith. Why do God’s children have such a difficult time deciding which way to turn? I believe this inner struggle is the result of focusing on the choices at hand instead of keeping our eyes on God.
When leading the nation of Israel out of Egypt God provided a pillar of smoke by day and a pillar of fire by night. This pillar was the presence of God going before the people and guiding them on their journey to the Promised Land. The pillar remained present during most of their journey, giving the people a tangible sign of God’s direction. The people of Israel did not have to worry about maps or about punching the right address into a GPS unit. They only had to focus on God and they would have remained on the right path.
Unfortunately this journey did not end well for most of the adults. When they reached the border of the Promised Land the people chose to focus on the choice instead of on the pillar. Given the option of fighting giants or returning to Egypt they chose to return and forfeited God’s promise (Numbers 13:25-14:23) They got so caught up in trying to figure out what was right for them, the people forgot to consider the power of God.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
I do not believe it is our responsibility to discover the right path. Instead I believe we, like the people of Israel, are called to follow the pillar. But while they had something visible to follow we are called to follow one who is invisible. In promising to direct our path God tells us we must do two things. First we must trust completely in God. We must be willing to follow him even when our own understanding causes us to question the path he has chosen. Second we must acknowledge God in all circumstances. Put him first in your heart, recognizing his true nature and you will be compelled to recognize his authority in every situation.
Life has its twists and turns, and our free will allows us to make choices. Don’t waste time agonizing over which path is right. Turn your eyes to God and focus solely on him. He has promised to lead you according to his perfect will.
See also: "God’s Vision or the Pizza I Ate"
"Following God’s Vision"
"Acknowledging God: The Promise"
posted by Dennis | 6:30 PM
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