“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
“For this is God,our God forever and ever;He will be our guide even to death.” Psalm 48:14 (NKJV)
Your spiritual journey will have many different terrains and not just one footpath. Each trail was carefully designed and laid out by God long before you were born. Some routes will lead to valleys and others will suddenly slope upwards leading to high and occasionally dangerous mountaintop experiences. No matter where you proceed remember God is by your side.
Some paths are for but a short distance yet they have a meaningful purpose a lesson. Take time to reflect as you journey into each new territory and collect knowledge and wisdom from every spiritual adventure. What you gain from one path is knowledge that can later be applied to even greater challenges lying ahead.
Our individualized paths are more than we can manage on our own. We must rely on God’s provision as we trudge to, and then beyond each twist, turn and milestone. Some believers will start their spiritual expedition with pride in their backpack. They don’t want to trust anyone, not even God, to help them overcome difficult obstacles. Self-reliance is not what God intended when He created our will to survive. Rather, He meant for us to persevere and face every challenge while relying on HIS strength and power.
Our spiritual trek is life long and life changing, as long as we yield to God’s will and purpose. Sanctification takes us through the Refiner’s fire over and over, until we are purified and reflect the image of Christ. Then, when our allotted number of days is finished, we will reach our eternal home and receive our just reward.
How rapidly we travel upon our path is not determined by God. No, we set our own pace. The measure of our surrender will determine the amount of knowledge we gain on our journey and how quickly we progress through specific terrain. A yielded heart of obedience will do wonders for ones gait. By listening, obeying, and trusting God, we conquer even the greatest depths and heights on our journey.
Foolishly, some wander off the path of life and get lost. The Good Shepherd searches for each one calling them by name. And because they were never really out of His sight, every lamb is found. But many in His flock will remain rebellious and refuse to heed His call. He will not force them to follow Him. With sadness in His heart He leaves, never abandoning and always hoping for repentance, to rescue wounded lambs that require His arms to carry and heal.
If you are overwhelmed with the journey before you, consider whether you are piloting the way. Slow down, reflect, and ask God to lead. Maybe your path is pitch-black and you can’t seem to find your footing. Remember, God is eternal light. Ask Him to light your way. If you hold His hand He will guide you though your adversity. He knows every stumbling block to avoid. And eventually the light on your path will extend out a bit further so you can see more than three feet in front of you. This means you have grown stronger, strong enough for God to reveal more of His plan for your life. Until then, lean into Him and trust your Shepherd with each step forward.
DURING YOUR QUIET TIME READ THESE SCRIPTURES AND CONTEMPLATE THE QUOTE. ASK GOD TO LEAD YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY WITH HIS PROVISION, STRENGTH AND MIGHT.
“You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
“Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.” Psalm 27:11 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 (NKJV)
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
“Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well.” ~ Alexander MacLaren
*This is a devotion from my book FACING ADVERSITY WITH WISDOM, PRAISE, AND PROMISES. Look for it on Amazon
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