Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
The Lord has a purpose and plan for all who walk with him. This plan comes with a path that the Lord uses to guide us toward His purpose. He allows us time to complete this plan and fulfill our purpose before he brings us home. We commonly think of this as the Lord “using us.”
It is written;
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
There is an intersection between where we plan our own course and God establishes our steps. At times it becomes difficult for us to understand, and often leads us to doubt if we are on the right path.
Remember he says:
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
As we walk along the path he has for us, it takes turns, pauses, and many times becomes much more difficult to continue. Our Lord understands that, and encourages us to seek him during these times. It may even require us to stop along the path, and await further guidance before continuing on. There is nothing wrong with this, as long as we continue to put our faith and trust in HIM.
Let us also remember this:
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalms 23:3 NIV
Rest assured, that while many times we are walking with him, we may feel as if we’ve hit a wall. It’s at this time we must stay the course and keep walking with him, for he never abandons us. Listen for his soft gentile voice and remember:
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
If in doubt, call upon the Lord. When he lays out your path to him, remain faithful and fearlessly on it.
Love one another.
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas
Comforting words for troubled times.