THE RIGHT PATH

Several blocks from where I live are some restaurants along a river. One day while out walking, I set out to discover if there was a more direct way to arrive on foot without having to navigate busy streets.

When I arrived to the area that would take me up to the road directly in front of the restaurants (if I found a way across), I saw a nice park. The park had a large open grass area, a covered picnic area, and nice sidewalks. I walked in fully expecting to find “the path” across. But even though the park was beautiful, open, and I could see through the trees to the street above, the way was blocked by those trees with no way up.

Disappointed, I walked out and continued down the street. I came to a fork in the sidewalk where I could continue forward or veer to the right. The sidewalk on the right led to a dirt path; the area was hidden and overgrown with brush. I was a little cautious but decided to check it out. What a discovery! It was neither a smooth path nor a straight one and was full of dense trees and heavy brush. But, it turned out to be a historical site; I found markers along the trail talking about the history of the trees and their significance to the Sacramento area of California. I heard the sounds of many resident species of birds. The sunlight filtered through the trees. It was refreshing. It was peaceful!

And, guess what? As I meandered around the path, I came to a slight incline. Yes, you guessed it. The way to the other side! I was standing directly across from the restaurants.

I felt the Holy Spirit’s gentle reminder of the similarity of our walk as we seek to see the purposes of God fulfilled in our life. We think we have an idea of the “how, who, what, when, and where”, and we often end up disappointed and discouraged. Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 tells us “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death”. I know we usually use this verse to refer to those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior. But, I want to challenge you that just maybe our trying to make things happen “our way” or “the way others think it should be done” has brought death to God-given dreams and plans.

I would have missed my way across if I had not taken the “right” path. I would not have discovered hidden treasures along the way. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Let’s trust God to lead us to the “right” path!