Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)
“ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Have you ever been hiking and gotten to an area where you could not really see the path? How about coming to a place where the trail splits and you are not sure which way to go? Maybe just trying to find your way to a new area and you just could not find the right place to turn?
Through life we face many choices on which way we want to go. With the pace of the world today, the decisions are not always easy and we have to be careful not to be swept away by the flow of everyone around us.
Plotting your way forward or setting your goals for the future can bring a variety of emotions, especially if we encounter an obstacle. Even if we have a clear sight of the path ahead, we can still miss an opportunity or the next place we should turn.
I have had times in my life when it felt like I was traveling on a six-lane highway, but stuck in the middle lane or bouncing down a country dirt road just trying to hang onto the wheel. The chance of anger from road rage in these cases is highly likely as our frustration or anxiety increases.
We all would prefer that two-lane country blacktop where every turn and hazard are clearly marked. That picture perfect postcard of us cruising on a sunny afternoon with the top down on to our next destination that will bring us joy, happiness, and success. That would be awesome.
Unfortunately, those days may not happen very often because soon we can see a dark sky on the horizon. Although we cannot see if our road will pass through the approaching storm, there is the hope that the road will curve or there will be a turn back toward those sunny skies we had been enjoying. Still, the easiest or the most pleasant path is not necessarily the best path.
There may be smooth sailing, but it may end up being the wrong direction. Getting approved to buy a luxury car and taking it instead of the one that falls within your means. The new job or promotion that will get you the things you want, but not realizing the long hours or duties it requires. Even that new stress reliever that has you feeling good until it becomes a habit you cannot quit.
This world is geared to be a quest for more. More money, more fame, and more possessions. We have all been there. Walking a path where we only think of ourselves can leave us empty on the inside even if we reach the top or get what we want. There are always people along the way in everything we do and we must decide how they are included.
I can remember times where I have acknowledged the support I have received from others, but I have also taken credit for what others have done or just drove on without even a consideration. With the Lord’s help I have gotten much better at including and acknowledging others. Including Him makes the entire process easier.
In the opening scripture the choices are laid out for us. We can choose a path that runs along the world superhighway, where we have less control over the speed, distractions, or the traffic jams we will encounter or the more narrow road that the Lord leads us on to experience more joy and fulfillment.
Pulling ourselves out of the mainstream is not easy. It may mean that we have to give up some of the ways that we do things. Like being grateful for what we have instead of taking it for granted. Including others needs in our travels instead of exclusively taking the trip alone.
We all need to take time to evaluate where we are and where we are going. Making changes is not easy because we have to be critical of ourselves and admit things are not working as planned. This does not have to just be done at the beginning of the new year. We can do this at any time, a new month, a new week, or even just the beginning of a new day.
No matter which one you choose, we need to start with God. I have let the world sweep me away with all the noise and drama, then forgetting to begin with prayer. Or even when I would remember, my mind could not keep on track and soon my thoughts were wandering to other things and not God. One of the first thoughts that came to mind was always, “there has to be a better way.”
We get and interesting perspective in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” We cannot keep looking to the past or continue our old way of doing things, God will make us a way through any of our obstacles to where we are supposed to be.
This is even clearer when we accept Christ as in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” When we accept Christ we are made new with our past being forgiven.
So, as we change the calendars we not only need to change how we look at everything, but we must keep our eyes on the future and none is better than with God. If you need to, take time to bring everything to Him and ask for strength and clarity to pursue His path for our future.
TRUST WHERE I HAVE LED
As we wind our way through life we will find many paths to follow,
Sometimes we will be fulfilled while other times we feel hollow.
We may have a few stretches where the way is easy to know,
Or there may be branches where we have to decide which way to go.
There will be obstacles that are encountered or we cannot see past,
Then plotting a course that moves forward is no simple task,
The times that life begins to pick up speed and the world becomes a blur.
Lord, how do I know which path to take when I’m feeling so unsure?
Dear child, you will always have many choices no matter where you are,
Even when you can see for miles you still may not get very far.
The way of the world is a seven-lane highway that can circle back around,
While your path is like a tiny exit that may not be easily found.
My Word has directions you should follow, not the other signs you see,
Fore they can be very deceiving and pull you far away from me.
You must keep your eyes and heart on me if you want to move ahead,
And have faith in the way you are going and Trust Where I Have Led.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 