God’s desire is that we walk down the path He lays before us. This path begins with the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus; “For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40). The path continues with living a life of holiness; “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15).
We walk further down His path as we learn contentment “in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:12), as we are filled with joy, prayer and thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), and as we begin to truly rest in the peace which only He provides; “Peace I leave you; My peace I give you” (John 14:27). It’s important to remember that each step down God’s path is for the purpose of being “conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He may be the firstborn of many brothers” (Romans 8:29). Every step, no matter how difficult, brings us closer to God and shapes us to be more like Jesus.
Have we entered onto God’s path through faith in Jesus Christ? Are we now continuing down the path God desires for us to walk? When confronted with choices, is it obvious which direction we should go?
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
When we trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, we are adopted into God’s Family and begin a journey which lasts the rest of our days. At the moment of Salvation God gives us His Spirit to guide us along His path; but many times when His Spirit calls, we’re too busy to listen…or we choose not to respond.
If we have entered onto God’s path and now desire to follow where He leads, we MUST make time to simply slow down and listen; “In repentance and rest is your Salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Our eternal Salvation is a transformation which occurs in an instant, but the earthly joy of our Salvation is found in our daily repentance and quiet guidance from God; His presence is our only place of true peace.
The guiding voice of His Spirit still calls every day, but the competing noise is often so great that we stray from the path and become entangled in the weeds; and there is definitely no peace or contentment in the weeds! Let’s get out of the weeds and continue on His path. Let’s set aside quiet time to listen for guidance – to hear which way to turn – and to simply rest in His loving arms. And let’s be determined to boldly follow when we hear His gentle voice calling, “This is the way, walk in it!”
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
May 31 2 Samuel 17:1-29; John 19:23-42; Psalm 119:132-155; Proverbs 16:12-13
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