No more short cuts

My dad and I were driving back from my doctor's appointment today, when nature called so we saw a gas station in the distance and decided to stop there. Since we were in a hurry, we decided to turn right instead of waiting for the light turn. Long story short, we thought we knew a short cut, but we didn't. Trying to outsmart the stoplight only got us in trouble. If we would have just waited for the light to turn green, we would have been at the gas station sooner.

 

This little mishap made me think of when God lights a path for us to take and instead, we often take another path. God opens all these doors for us and we choose to close them so that we can open our own door. When that happens we can't blame God for the trials we've faced, because we ignored God's guidance in the first place.

 

In many ways God shows us which path to take, whether it be from reading the Bible, prayer, counsel and more. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Because we are selfish, there are times when we see His path and decide that our path is better than His. That's where we get in trouble. His path is better than our's. No matter what. From the distance, His path may look scary or boring or challenging, but it always ends up better than we can imagine. When we know what is right and decide to choose wrong for whatever reason, it gets us into a mess. James 4:17 says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." We fall into temptation. It may feel good and right at the time, but it will catch up to us. We start getting caught up in all the world's desires and lose sight of God.

 

That's not the end of the story though. God never gives up on us even when we start to ignore his guidance. He is always there waiting for us to wake up and see the light. He sends his Holy Spirit to get us back in check. Our job is to recognize it. Once we recognize that we chose the wrong path, God shows us how we can get back on the right path. 2 Samuel 22:29 says, "You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light."  He gives us a new start and guides us back to where we're suppsosed to be. Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

 

When God lights the way for us, we need to follow it instead of ignoring it. We should obey Him instead, of trying to "outsmart" him because it never works. We have to open our eyes, ears, and heart so that we can find the path God wants us to follow. Don't blame God if you aren't following His path. His path is better than ours.

 

Check out this video...it's so true!