“I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O LORD, but with justice; Not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10:23-24

Life is like an untraveled trail with complex twists and turns. Appealing activities can be detours that lead to the quicksand of sin. And engaging philosophies may form side paths that end up in a mire of muddled thinking. Even the best route isn’t all sun-dappled meadows and quiet riverside lanes. We may at times have to journey over hard terrain or shadowed valleys. The only way to be sure we’re walking right is to follow one who knows the way perfectly.

God is the perfect, full-service Guide. No one can go wrong by keeping to the pathways He selects. Consider that He lovingly and intentionally created you for this time and this place. The Lord watches over your steps because He desires to see your purpose fulfilled and His plan come to fruition through you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Therefore, He promises to counsel those who follow Him (Psalm 25:12). When God warns His children away from a tempting sidetrack, it is because He foresees the dangers that lurk on that road.

There’s a correlation between ignoring God’s guidance and ending up in trouble: the one who stumbles off course has trusted his own “sense of direction”—his emotions, desires, or personal version of morality. He’s been pursuing what feels good or looks right instead of seeking the Lord’s will.

God has mapped out the path before you. He is aware of every obstacle and miry pit, and He knows exactly which sidetracks will tempt you. What’s more, He has committed to walk beside you as a Guide and Comforter so that you never face the twists and turns of this life alone.

by Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Staying on God’s Path

•  Dangerous Path

• Light on My Path

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post The Path of Life appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25

Our trail map showed two routes ahead: one led down to the bottom of the valley and back up again; the second ran along the ridge to the same destination. The shorter, seemingly less difficult route along the ridge appeared to be the best option. Once on it, we did notice the log across the path and that it looked less traveled. Then, we soon saw a sign: “Abandon Trail.” But the trail was on our map and it looked good so far. Around the next bend we started to understand why the sign had been put up. But turning back seemed like a waste of time and energy, so we pressed on. Only as I stood with one foot on a two-inch edge of rock, with no firm spot for my next step, did I realize how foolish and dangerous a choice this shortcut was. Apart from a miracle, slipping would mean certain death! What if I survived but my friend fell? What would I tell his wife?

“There is a way that appears to be right, ….” Proverbs 16:25

Life is filled with options. The decision to follow any one path can have far-reaching implications. The desire for a shortcut, a less difficult path, a more convenient option, or even a more logical road, can all be motivators. God does ask His followers, as He did His Son, to walk a difficult way at times to fulfill His purposes. Christ asked to have the grim prospect of the cross removed, but surrendered to a higher motivation — the will of His Father (Mathew 26:38-39); think of the implications of that decision! God’s will moves beyond our logic at times. Peter could have refused to throw his net on the opposite side of the boat, because it was “not logical” (Luke 5:5-6). Convenience did not seem to factor in to the Good Samaritan’s decision to show compassion (Luke 10:30-37).

You may be at a junction where convenience, difficulty, logic, emotions, or personal desires are competing with God’s will. Be reminded that God’s will is not always the easy path, but it is good, and it is established by His perfect love and divine purpose.

Father, I confess that I long for the shortcuts in life. I often seek convenience over Your purposes. May I seek Your will as my primary motivation for any path taken! By faith, I acknowledge that Your will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Amen.

By Mike Woodard

Email Visitors, please visit our webpage to leave a comment. We warmly invite your thoughts on this devotional.

Share with a Friend

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/

Brought to you by www.thoughtsaboutgod.com

The post Perilous Shortcuts appeared first on Thoughts About God.