I am so grateful for another week that God has blessed us with, we need always to count our blessings.
Have you ever driven without a map or GPS? Most likely if you are familiar with the journey to your destination. But if you’ve read the previous blogs, you would have realised that there is a common theme. That our walk with God isn’t where we know what lies behind every corner. And just as we rely on maps for the unknown to arrive at our destination in good time, we also rely on God and His Word to guide us. However, it’s not as clear as crystal. Like when you ask God in His Word to tell you when you find your partner or what job to choose. But in a way, I don’t know how to describe it other than that it’s like an escape room. Where slowly but surely you find a clue to the next clue to solve the puzzle and get to the end. That’s how God works. He communicates with us in various ways.
But what you’re looking for is my “God wink!” This week as I was picking up flowers for my best friend on her graduation, I was using maps to guide me. What was interesting was that I chose the no tolls because you’re girl could save some money by spending a little more time getting there, and still making it to my destination. What I realised was that maybe 20 minutes or so into the drive, the maps had re-routed to take the tolls. Only I realised once it was too late. I noticed the arrival time was quicker…
While I still made it to the destination, it was via a route I didn’t want to travel. And it is only now typing this that I realise a perspective I hadn’t thought of until now. Rather than going off track, God sometimes has other things installed for us. Things we know don’t always go to plan, but it’s part of HIS plan. He knew and while the road might seem undesirable, uncomfortable and even not worth it. I’ll let you in on a little secret, it is all those 3 things. Although in the heat of the moment, you might not realise just how thankful you were to have taken that route – and going back to my story, I am grateful I took the tolls, because actually with the longer route, there’s no telling how much closer I would have made arriving to graduation or stopping the delivery of flowers to my house. Not to mention walking to the graduation in and of itself had its challenges I did not foresee, like a broken heel strap…
Remember, God only has the best for you. The road is given to us to shape us, so when we arrive at our destination we are those who God desires. To be with those who sort after Him as their compass and guiding star in the night.
Have you ever sought confirmation in your life? Where did you go to get confirmation? How do you handle getting out of your comfort zone? What prevents you from stepping out more often? To try taking another, new road? Because who knows the friends you’ll meet and the experiences you’ll gain.
While the world tells us how we should live, and what years we should have had success or been married. We are not of the world and our minds are not on things of this world. While yes we have desires, the way to have a true relationship with God isn’t going to be the same route as the world, because the destination is different. If we got serious for a minute, we would make the most of every opportunity to change into His image. Even if that looks like stepping off what we thought was the right track.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
I reflect on times in my life when I didn’t want to go a certain road. Where I felt comfortable just going to church on Sunday. But then slowly as I started reading my Bible, which was hard in the beginning, it became easier and more enjoyable. Just like how I wanted the “no tolls” but instead got the “tolls.” We must realise not everything good feels good in the beginning. Like going to the gym, eating healthier or taking that test. But in the long run, it is good for us.
Lean on Him as you try to break down the walls of your old self, to embrace what God has installed for you [Isaiah 43:19]. Maybe in the new year, He will change the route as you keep hold of your destination. As you remain faithful to Him, when He changes the wheel keep driving and take in the new scenery. Be bold and courageous [Joshua 1:9].
God, You Amaze Me!
E
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
“See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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