Life is like a highway, full of twists, turns, bumps, and cracks. The road we choose and how we navigate it determines our destination.
I enjoy going for random drives in my car — especially when it includes exploring new roads and seeing new sights. Glimpses of wildlife, cattle grazing in pastures, trees displaying their fall color, and the ever-changing vast skies awaken my senses and invigorate me. Some country trails lead to peaceful secluded spots to rest and reflect. Busy highways often lead to more populated but interesting destinations. These temporary adventures bear little consequences to my life story. Minor corrections and sometimes major redirection bring me safely home again.
Our spiritual journeys find similarities along an even more important path to life. The direction we choose and the way we travel unlocks eternal outcomes and determines our destination.
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
Psalm 32:8
The Right Road
We make the most important decision of our lives when we choose to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This ultimately begins our faith journey. May there be no confusion. Only one road leads to everlasting life. Jesus clearly and unequivocally defined Himself as that one way.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Every other faith or religion leads to futility. Only faith in Jesus guarantees us welcome into the Father’s presence to live with Him forever. This morning God reminded me of several important aspects of this one road.
We can be on the right road, believing and trusting in Jesus with all our hearts, while moving in the wrong direction to grow our faith and be effective for the Kingdom. Will we give Him permission to redirect us on this faith road? Will we allow Him to stop the current way we are living and turn us around? Without knowing it we may be on the right road but going in the wrong direction.
To prevent wasted opportunities and giftings, God often redirects us to move in His direction, adjusting our conduct and beliefs. He loves us too much to watch us drive headlong into devastation or loss.
If I need to turn my car around, I usually look for the next approach to safely maneuver the vehicle and go the opposite direction. Is there a new approach ahead that God wants me to use? If I’m watching for it, His approach to situations may bring the exact turn around I need to go the right way — His way — in my spiritual journey. The approach we choose determines our destination.
Avoid the Hazards
Attentive drivers watch the road and ditches ahead. Potholes, wildlife, maintenance equipment, or slow-moving vehicles may require a reduction in speed or a temporary change of lanes.
The same is true for us in our spiritual journey. As much as we try to maintain our spiritual position, there are times when we must leave our lane — our gifting, calling, or mission — for a season to avoid catastrophic results.
“Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12
Why do I find this so logical at the practical level of driving my car, but so difficult in my spiritual journey? Why do old, trusted patterns of ministry become so difficult to break away from or adjust?
Don’t think I’m sounding heavy handed toward anyone else. These are things God is personally challenging me with, right where I’m at! My lane matters to God! So does yours! Faithfully developing and exercising our gifts are important to bringing many other people into maturity.
Sometimes, God calls us to change lanes for divine purposes. Will we allow Hin to maneuver me into His better way? Our choice determines our destination.
At the Wheel
As an inexperienced driver, I would grip the steering wheel with white-knuckled determination. Overly confident drivers casually rest their drooping wrists on top of the wheel, inattentive and often distracted by their surroundings. Both positions present hazardous approaches to driving. Recent technology now carries the capacity to not just instruct drivers how to reach their destination but to take control of the wheel and operate the vehicle.
We find spiritual parallels along the faith road as well. Some people assume the white-knuckled position. Unable to trust God with the details of their lives, they fight for control on where and how far they will go with Him.
Others adopt such a passive approach to faith that they leave the driving completely up to Jesus. “God will get me where He wants to get me and do what He wants to do,” is there attitude. From the back seat of complacency, they abdicate all personal responsibility of their faith.
Yet, I find a continuous principle in the Word of God — a principle that at first seems risky, if not downright dangerous on God’s part. He chooses to work exclusively through His sons and daughters. Everything He desires to accomplish in His Kingdom, He accomplishes through the willing hands of His followers. What a beautiful design … a crazy collaboration … a unparalleled partnership … a covenant of trust!
“That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”
Colossians 1:29
As dangerous as it may sound, God has placed us at the wheel of our lives. We control the speed and direction of our course. But we aren’t alone! From this place of responsibility, we welcome Him along side us. We listen for His guiding voice, following His lead and obeying HIs instructions. Co-operating with Him determines our destination.
The Basics
This all sounds very basic, right? Coming back to the basics keeps us moving along the right road in the right direction. These basic principles help us to maneuver through and around any present or future hazards to our spiritual faith in the best possible manner.
The road ahead may feel rocky or smooth. Either way, we aren’t alone in the journey. We have a personal responsibility as we travel our paths of faith. The road we choose and how we travel it determines our destination. Let’s traverse the road ahead with wisdom and understanding, with diligence and patience, and with confident assurance and trust.
Lord, we ask You to grant us grace, wisdom, and courage to travel this faith road with You and others. We renounce any present patterns of behavior that lead us in the wrong direction. May we use Your approach to turn our lives around and steer us back to You. Lord, we renounce the lie that we must always stay in the primary lane of our gifting and calling. We allow You to move us in and out of our comfort zone for the benefit of others and for Your glory. We renounce the lie that we are passive participants of faith. Though Your work of salvation is finished, You have much for us to do. May we take responsibility for what You have entrusted to us, co-operating with You all through our lives, listening to Your counsel and following Your direction.
Teach us Your ways, O Lord, and lead us along everlasting paths. Guide us into Your truth. We give You permission to redirect, correct, and reposition us for Your glory and the good of others. We renounce wasted years, opportunities, and talents as we respond with tender hearts and willing spirits to Your leading. Thank You, Father, for the incredible plans and purposes You have for each of us. In our uniqueness You have designed possibilities of fulfillment and incredible joy. We anticipate the road ahead, the quiet places of seclusion, the breath-taking views of divine revelation, the exhilarating climbs of spiritual growth, and the peaceful plateaus of Your Presence.
What a journey! All the while, You and us together at the wheel, as we become more like You and actively engaging in Kingdom work.
Amen.
“In [His] presence is fullness of joy; At [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11
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