The Path

 

This weekend my husband and I took a jaunt from New Hampshire to New York for our granddaughter’s second birthday party.  All our children were together, and it was a lovely day.  The weather was perfect and so was the company.  Cake and smiles.

When we left NH, we got in the car and set the GPS.  Amazing how with a flip of a couple of buttons, the navigation system found the best route.  On this day, the route took us through Vermont.  Winding curves and beautiful scenery were all around us.  It selected this way as the highway had traffic of an hour long.  Just like the system stated, we arrived at the exact time it predicted.  Coming home, the system took us a different – more highway this time. 

It made me think of the journey of life.  Many times, I have been in conversations with folks where it is brought up, “Wish there was a GPS for life.”  There is!  Our God and Father gave us the GPS for life, just as it is shared in our verse for today.  As we read the Bible, He clearly gives us all that we need to steer ourselves in the right direction.  He is our path; He is our destination.  Following in His way provides us with the destination of eternal life.

It is not a path that is obscure of trials and tribulations.  Often, the difficulties of life can be attributed to our own exits and detours off God’s path. 

·       We can get impatient with God’s timing and find a detour from His path.

·       We do not like the path God has set for us – we want more!

·       We believe that God ‘got it wrong’ and we are going to show Him how to ‘do it right.’

All the above, and more, can be reasons why our path looks quite different than God’s path.  The best part of this is even though we may take detours, God is always there waiting to guide us back to his journey.  Much like the GPS when it says ‘re-routing’ when we miss the exit.  God’s path may not be how we see ourselves currently, but when we reach some of his earthly destinations, the path becomes increasingly clear.  What we find along the way, like in Vermont, can be breathtaking.

When you feel the urge to take a detour off God’s path, remember that the path He has chosen is the best path for you.  Pray for guidance along God’s path.  Remember, He is always waiting for you at the final destination.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our GPS in this life.  Help us to stay on your path and when we detour, please provide us mercy, grace, and guidance to get back to you.  In your name we pray.  Amen.