We drove back to where the road diversion commenced, and decided to use the road signs that showed an alternative route. The contractors had in place an alternative route to our destination, and had clearly put up visible road signs to help us reach our destination. Oh dear, we exclaimed! How come we had been oblivious to these signs all along? Our previous attention was so fixed on the tomtom, that we had missed the easiest way out, already put up for us.
This incident brought to mind how God lays down planned routes for our lives journey, and how often we abandon these and stick to our own pre-conceived ideas and promptings from ill informed persons. The contractors of the road we were using knew that they would need to guide people to their destination, and so put up visible signs of alternative routes. God is supposed to be our guide on Earth. He has routes for each individual to travel on to reach his or her expected end - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.
God intends to lead us besides still waters, but how often do we stray to where troubled waters are. And how many times do we not go our own way like the prodigal son :
Luke 15:11-24 (New International Version)
The Parable of the Lost Son
11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
We choose our own ways and routes and ignore God's beckoning. We lay aside the Word of God and disregard the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Rather, we choose to listen to human beings, most of whom have no inkling of what God has planned for our lives. We go round in circles like the prodigal son, enjoying our own self gratifications , and vainly empty ourselves until we are spent, tired and frustrated.
On the contrary, God awaits us with His loving arms wide open , hoping we would realise our folly , turn to Him so He can direct us to a place of peace and curtail our long restless journey. We must learn to rely on God in these trying times, so He can be our guide. He is a shepherd that lovingly cares for His sheep. Moreso, he has the map for our lives. He knows what lies ahead of us and planned it all before we came into being. But we can miss it all, as He leaves us to make our own decisions. He has handed us our will power and will not lord it over us, but waits patiently for us to involve Him and make Him(Jesus) our Lord and personal Saviour each day of our lives.
Just as my relative and I experienced, the road signs to our expected destination had already been put up, had we followed them initially, we would have avoided all the frustrations we put ourselves through. God has a plan for you, when you follow it, you will always have peace. Even in persecution, if God is the one leading you, He shall grant you peace. God cautions us through His word that “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12), but we are encouraged with Isaiah 26:3 that God shall keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in Him.
When we trust in God and depend on Him , He leads us and we are confident to sing along with the song writer that :
He leadeth me, O blessed thought
O words with heavenly comfort fraught
What e'er I do, where e're I be
Still tis God's hand that leadeth me
He leadeth me, He leadeth me
By His own hand, He leadeth me
His faithful follower I would be
For by His hand He leadeth me
Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom
Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom
By waters still, o'er troubled sea
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me
And when my task on earth Is done
When by Thy grace the victory's won
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee
Since God through Jordan leadeth me
MAY WE CURTAIL UNNECESSARY PAIN AND FRUSTRATIONS BY LEANING ON GOD AND FOLLOWING HIS LEADING!
Written By Gina Bello and posted on
