"The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Over the years Sonya and I have a way of traveling together that makes any day trip turn into an exciting, always new, navigational experience. We have a way of making detours where there was no need for one, and what started out as an hour long ride turn into an all day journey. We didn't realize at the time of our very first journey together (see post; 'Caught in a Loop') would be a fanfare ceremony of many more interesting adventures to come in our lifetime.
When we were mamas to our little boys we would set off on a day trip, loading our car with all the necessities for four boys, to go explore a park or museum or an area attraction. We took many trips by car or plane for hair shows and vacations, and we used any leisure time we could afford on our days off together to follow the open road for whatever held our attention. We've traveled near and far for doctor's appointments all over the surrounding areas. Summers were always fun, especially when Sonya went back to school to gather a teaching degree. She would have a school project, depending on her class at the time, to go and experience musicals or exhibits that matched her curriculum and I was always eager to go.
One thing never really changed about all of our outings; our navigating skills were invisible. You see, I never learned how to read one of those enormous paper maps with all the various routes and rivers and road ways. It just never interested me. We would set out on our adventure and let the open road be our guide, hoping to travel in the 'general' direction of where we were headed.
Needless to say we Always got lost. We Always drove in circles and Always ended up having to stop at some roadside gas station and ask for help, most of the time never following the directions we were given because our time spent in the car was filled with talk and laughter and music, and at times children asking, "Are we there yet?" (the boys soon learning that when the sisters were traveling together there was no telling of the time of arrival). I think Sonya and I just knew and trusted that the road leads to somewhere and we would eventually end up where we were meant to be.
Our faith journeys are a lot like the journeys Sonya and I have taken. Rarely do we have all the cut and dry details of the digital maps now that tell us every move to make and every turn to take. But the good news is we do have help in navigating life as a christian here on this earth. I am so grateful for God's Word, which provides wisdom, instruction, and even warnings to help lead us in the right direction.
The Bible is like a spiritual map; we don't have to guess the Lord's way or wonder what He expects from us. He provides the Holy Spirit to be our ultimate guide. Even though we have our biblical principles, we can't predict all that lies ahead. If that were so, we wouldn't need to depend on God. When we give our lives to Christ, we allow Him to take us to places we never imagined going. Our responsibility in the journey is to trust and obey.
God instructed Abram to go; leave his country. He didn't have a clear and laid out plan for him or even let him in on the final destination of this plan. He had to obey and leave all of his comforts behind. Abram is a great example to us of strong faith, abiding love, and what true obedience looks like. His faith enabled him to obey God and follow Him and, in time, God revealed the land He had promised him.
If you are having doubts and fears about where your life is taking you rest assured, if you have placed your hand in His, God is leading you to a good place and He is with you every step of the way. You may not always recognize the path of your journey but your destination is sure, so trust in the Lord and know that He is the Master Navigator.
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Help me fully trust in You as I go. May I walk in obedient faith knowing without a doubt You are with me. Show me the way and may my eyes be fully focused on You. In Jesus' name. Amen.