We have been visiting friends in Idaho for the last few weeks. Last night we had a wonderful time catching up with several couples at a bar-b-q. It was great!
We talked about our children, grandchildren, music, work, health and the Lord. Everyone there we have known for over 20 years. Our lives have taken us different directions but our friendship remains strong. That is truly a treasured gift.
We all make plans. Some of those are just for the day ahead while others cover the next week or through the end of the year. For us, we are planning our trip back to Arizona. Whatever our plans, whatever course we set for ourselves, we need to seek God’s direction and guidance.
“Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well…People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps...People might throw lots to make a decision, but the answer always comes from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:3, 9, 33
Whether we are traveling the highways and negotiating the freeways or navigating through the locks and channels of large corporations, we can trust the Lord to guide our steps and lead the way.
As we travel I can’t help but think of all those who have traveled these roads before. Those who came on horseback, in covered wagons and those whose only means of transportation were their feet. Looking at the terrain, considering the weather, the elements and the dangers they may have faced causes me to pause. But then thinking of the joy they experienced in seeing new land that no one had ever been to before, the beauty, the grandeur, the vastness of creation, brings an unprovoked smile to my face. We check the Atlas and follow the roads, they followed the dreams of their hearts!
I think about Abram. At a word from the Lord, he set out for a world unknown. God called him to leave his home and go into a far country.
“The LORD said to Abram:
Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will bless you and make your descendants into a great nation. You will become famous and be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless anyone who blesses you, but I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. Everyone on earth will be blessed because of you. 4-5 Abram was seventy-five years old when the LORD told him to leave the city of Haran. He obeyed and left with his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and slaves they had gotten while in Haran.” Genesis 12:1-5 CEV
His obedience birthed a nation. His obedience open the door for Jesus, the Messiah to come. His obedience brought blessing to his life and those who traveled with him.
What road has the Lord asked you to take today? Are you being obedient and bringing blessing to the lives of those around you? If God gives you a course correction be willing to take it.
“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV
There are new horizons to view, new adventures to experience and new victories to celebrate!
Wow, this just hit me like a 2 x 4. I was asked to do something yesterday that I didn’t really want to do, but I was only considering myself and not the blessing that I could be giving others. Lord help me to follow the paths that you have for me, and give me the courage and strength to join you in doing what I see you doing. Amen.
Melody, you are so tender and open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. I so admire your tender heart.