Finding the Path

I will lead blind Israel down a new path,
    guiding them along an unfamiliar way.
I will brighten the darkness before them
    and smooth out the road ahead of them.
Yes, I will indeed do these things;
    I will not forsake them.
  Isaiah 42:16 NLT

Frank Sinatra famously sang the song “My Way.”  The lyrics repeat a triumphant, “I did it my way.” Like Sinatra, many of us are convinced we have to find our own path, based on our own expectations and desires, and do it our own way.  Taking our own path usually causes us to “get lost in the woods.”  We may suddenly realize we don’t know which of many roads to take now, or even what destination to aim for. Or maybe our path has come to a dead end, with no way out.

It is then, that we cry out to God. We may ask for help to survive there, on a street with no name and in a house with no number.  The enemy jumps in with his accusations and condemnation, “You are just a failure.” “See, God doesn’t love you. He’s abandoned you.” “Don’t listen to God. Just give up.”

We can never find the destiny we were created for on a road we were never created to take. It may not occur to us that we took this side road, not because it was best, but because it seemed easier, or was the world’s choice, not God’s. 

We all feel blind sometimes, not seeing what lies ahead.  But the Lord knows the future, and, as we trust him, he will guide us safely along his designated path.  God has given us, his adopted daughters, wonderful promises of an abundant, full and fruitful life.  We were created wonderfully for specific purposes only we can accomplish.  God promises that we will not be alone on his road. He surrounds us with his presence and actively defends and protects us there. 

So maybe, instead of losing hope when we feel trapped or lost in the life we have chosen, we should ask God to take us back to the place where we got off of his path, the one especially created for us. The Lord has lovingly gone before us and lit and made it smooth for us.  We will recognize it as the Holy Spirit leads us there.  Jesus will be waiting to heal our wounds and restore our peace and joy.

Dear friends, be blessed as you ask God for assurance that you are on the path he called you to take.  Look around and see the evidence of his loving care and provision there.  It may not be perfect, but may trusting God chose it for you, please him and fill you with contentment and the strength to carry on. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ October 17, 2023