God's Route Guidance is Out of This World!

As we were traveling the 500 miles or so yesterday to get home, I noticed that there were a couple of vehicles that kept passing us over and over. I remember my dad talking about that when I was a kid. He explained that, even though they were driving faster, it took more stops because they were using more fuel at their higher rates of speed.  Other cars would come along and dart dangerously in and out of traffic.  I don’t know if the fuel consumption was the answer, but it sure looks like there’s a lot of speeding up and slowing down.

We’re all in a hurry and it often feels like we don’t have much time. The focus becomes getting from point A to point B and everyone better get out of the way. However, the steady pace of a consistent driver will get you where you want to go in plenty of time.

It sure looks like some folks are getting way ahead. They’ve moved on out in front and everything is going their way. It’s clear for them it seems, while most of us are stuck in the traffic of life. We’re dodging road hazards and having to stop often for rest. If we’re not careful we’ll become jealous of others’ apparent “get ahead” attitude and start trying that for ourselves.   Pretty soon we find ourselves racing ahead and falling behind.  It’s a treadmill and nobody enjoys the ride – they just try to arrive at their destination as quick as possible.

Have you been comparing your life travel to that of others? Does it look like you’re getting left behind? Do you keep getting passed by the same folks and wonder what you did to lose speed?  Are you envious of those who have gone ahead, thinking that they are past you and that you’ll never arrive quick enough?

Oh beloved, it’s time to get out your Road Manual and read! God’s Word says that when you let Him do the driving, He will get you to your destination right on time. He has a wonderful plan for your life and it’s the best way you can travel.  He knows the desires of your heart and He wants you to rest in His promises often, even if that means it looks like you’re getting passed. Without the right fuel sooner or later you will have trouble and find yourself on the roadside. Let God be your Trip Meter for He has the most wonderful route laid out just for you! He loves you, so when others seem to go faster or leave you behind, remember that the Lord is adjusting your speed, picking your route and giving you wonderful scenery along the way. He’s for you, so you can trust that even when the route looks rocky or bumpy or full of construction, He’s going to get you where you need to go and you’ll never be late!

Praise Him for His perfect advice, for it will keep your eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of your faith, your life and your destination!

 

Isaiah 49:4 I replied, But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.

Psalm 125:1 Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

Proverbs 4:11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.

Psalm 19:7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

God Will Get You Through the Dark

Danny presided over a forming chapter information meeting last night. It was held in a town in the Ouachita Mountains about 3 hours from home. It was a very nice ride yesterday afternoon as we traveled through beautiful country and saw a few deer and other wild animals. Last night, after the meeting was over it had turned dark. The ride home was far different from the ride over. The mountains are harder to navigate at night and instead of observing the wildlife we found ourselves dodging them as they bolted in and out of the headlights. What seems easy and pleasant in the daylight can turn rough and disagreeable when darkness overtakes the day. Putting your hands in the driver’s ability is no problem when you can see where you’re going, but in the depth of the darkness you just have to hold on and trust them even when you can’t see.

Everyone wants pleasant sunny days. We love to bask in God’s blessings and enjoy His beautiful world. We never know when the day will turn dark and some downturn of events comes upon us, literally obscuring our beautiful view. Everyone knows that there’s a time for the day and a time for the night, but really it’s hard to accept when it does come. What do we do when the mountains of difficulty, sorrow or loss loom in our horizon? Where do we go to find comfort and help to see things through? How do we know we will make it? It’s hard to negotiate the curves and the climb is so very steep?

Oh beloved, there is One Who is with you in the pleasant days of joy and peace. He is the Same One Who is with you in the hard times and dark moments of life that must be faced. Run to the Lord, the One Who is your Navigator. He Who is with you in the good times and the warmth of sunlight will also be with you in the nights of your life. He loves you and because He loves you He will get you through whatever it is you must negotiate. He’ll see you through sorrow, despair, and even death. There is absolutely nothing you cannot trust Him with, because even when you can’t see ahead, He knows the way! He will guide you with His loving care all the way through. He who promises to see you through will also give you songs in the night. Put your life in the One Who sees it all and promises that your life will be kept all the way to heaven.

Isaiah 51:16 And I have put my words in your mouth and hidden you safely in my hand. I stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth. I am the one who says to Israel, 'You are my people!'"

Psalm 42:8 But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 16:7 I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psalm 126:5 Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.

(Oh Beloved, Live in the Light of His Word! is published daily - Rebekah Beene copyright)