The Path?

I am starting to feel like I am hearing from God again. That is cool.

I am home for spring break (well I don't have a break, but with quitting my job I came home while my brothers had off). On Sunday the pastor was talking about giving, but he started by talking about trusting God. He said "Your direction, not intentions, determine your destination." I think he was on to something. The steps we take move us forward, not just thinking about taking steps. We cannot expect that if our thoughts and actions do not match that we will end up where we want to be.

We each have many paths we travel (relationships, work, finances, etc.) and each one has its own challenges, difficulties and goals. Often I feel a bit overwhelmed by the choices I have to make my own way. I wish God would just give me a step by step guide to life (of course if he did, I would likely try to find ways to do other things).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

I find this to be really encouraging. God knows that we do not have all the understanding or tools to make this life work. We need a guide, we need someone who will make our paths straight. But not only does he recognize that he OFFERS to do that for us. I think this passage is his advice for how to listen and follow him.

We need to offer up our goals and desires to him, he knows what we want and what we need better than we do. He is a good father that gives good gifts.

We need to believe that he knows more that we do and is able to take care of us.

We need to acknowledge him in everything we do. Not just saying "There is a God" but seeking to make him known, to honor him in every step, word and breath.

This lifestyle allows him to come in and make our paths straight, to lead us where he has planned for us to go.

Then this morning I finished Ecclesiastes.

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

God is yet again asking us to seek and trust him. He doesn't give us the whole picture, but he promises to make our next step land on solid ground.

But we have to listen and trust.

Easier said than done I know, but I have needed to hear this.