In my life I’m on a journey with God, one path after another, with Him leading and me following. But sometimes I can’t help but wonder if I’m on the right path. And I often wish I could see what’s around the next couple bends. I dream of where the path is going.
I stand at a fork in the road and realize that this very decision could change everything. And it’s so true, because looking back, I know my life could be so drastically different had I chosen even one fork in the path differently.
I used to think I had to wait for God to shine the light directly onto the fork in the road at every turn, so I could know which one to choose.
Growing up I thought there was one perfect path for me. And if I didn’t obey enough, or listen long enough, or pray hard enough, I could miss it … which would cause my life to be less blessed than it otherwise could have been. I didn’t want to waste time on self-selected detours that just made me miss that segment of His perfect path for me.
But I’m coming to realize that this is where my faith comes in.
Because last I checked God doesn’t speak audibly to me. He doesn’t hold up a cue card and say, “Pick that one!” I’m learning that His leading is less about telling me exactly what to do and so much more about His provision of working the chosen path for my good. Because if God told me absolutely, without any doubt, which path to pick, and dictated the exact fork in the road to select, what would be the faith in that?
He wants me to have faith and make the best decision with what He’s given me.
He has given me His Word, but I must read it.
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
He’s blessed me with God-fearing and wise counsel, but I must seek it.
Proverbs 3:13,17 (ESV) Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding … her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
And he’s given me a mind that can reason and analyze and consider His ways. And I must choose to use it.
Proverbs 3:6 (ESV) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
And as I am walking in the Spirit, pursuing holiness, and submitting to His authority, He wants me to just decide.
Within the parameters of His will, He wants me to pick the path.
No need to worry.
No room for anxiety.
No need to be paralyzed over the choice, or fear of choosing the wrong fork.
He is God and He will work His perfect plan in and through my choices, because He’s already known what they would be! And one thing is sure, He works it ALL for good.
I’m learning that in His Sovereignty, He has known before the beginning of time the forks I would choose. And He, in the richness of His mercy, has had a plan this whole time. He leads and guides the outcome of my journey to cultivate my paths with blessing and bring glory to His name. Every. Single. Time.
May you live in the freedom of the Spirit and know that as you follow Him with your whole heart, He WILL direct and bless your path.
Have you ever been paralyzed to pick a fork in the road?
How did you decide which path to take?
*Linking with Write it Girl, Denise in Bloom, Imparting Grace
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes (much more than five minutes today) and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, (epic fail today!) with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Path…
Great post! I’ve often been paralyzed, too, when coming to a fork in the road. I used to wish God would send me a fax telling which direction to go! But I’ve decided that He’s a big enough God, if I choose wrong, He can guide me back to where I’m supposed to me. What matters is my heart and if I am allowing Him to be Lord.
I love your use of scripture throughout! I have been reading in the gospels of late and have been so challenged by Jesus’ prayer of “not my will but yours be done”. This verse is what your post reminded me of. We can get so caught up in trying to choose the right path, that we forget to pray- and to seek God’s glory. Thank you for your post!
And I will meet you at Allume Social! 🙂
Yes! A heart bowed low, acknowledging HE is Lord…and He makes it all beautiful in His time.
Yes…being with God instead of “doing” for God. And as we seek His presence and rest there, His peace overwhelms and engulfs us there. See you at Allume!
Really a thought provoking post. Loved it!
Thank you Holly!
I was reading this quickly & thought it a bit odd that God in His Sovereignty would know what forks (as in tableware) you would choose, but I thought this would be very true! My mind is more engaged now but I’m still chuckling at that! Yes, I am discovering that God is so patient & kind while He’s teaching me to follow more closely & that is my heart’s desire! I still jump to conclusions & make hasty decisions , where I wish I would have prayed first! His mercy covers all & He does work it for our good! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
Ha Ha! That’s funny Cynthia! …And I’m with you, I’m so thankful His mercy does cover it all!
Love this post. I’ve spent so much time – so much – waiting on those cue cards. Sometimes it feels a little scary just to take the next step without really knowing where I’m headed exactly. Faith and trust – I’m learning.
reading this post has help me in trying to make a decision at 3am. Thank you for the post.