Preparing for the Journey
Judi Wheat / Next Gen Preschool Curriculum Coordinator
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9
At the end of June, we are traveling to the beaches of S. Carolina for our annual family vacation. We plan for our vacation with excitement and anticipation, making all kinds of preparations. Preparations such as making hotel and resort reservations, obtaining maps, making lists of what to take, etc. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.
As I was preparing my list of things I needed to do, I stopped and thought to myself, do I anticipate with excitement and prepare for the most important journey in my life, the journey to Eternal Life with Jesus? And do I allow God to direct my steps each day, no matter the plans I have made?
In Isaiah 30:21, the scripture states, “Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” It is interesting that the voice is ‘behind you’ and not ahead of you. It means I may be stepping out into the unknown, but as I do so, I am listening carefully to that voice just behind me whispering in my ear saying, "keep going—this is the way."
Another scripture from Psalm 73:23-24, “Yet I still belong to you; hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” And also, “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me, all day long I put my hope in you.” Psalms 25:4-5
When planning our trip south, we want to take the fastest and shortest route possible. On my journey with God, He does not always take the shortest route. Sometimes, instead of taking us the easy way, God takes us a longer and more difficult way to prepare us for the battles that are ahead. Just as in Exodus 13-14:31, Moses with God’s direction needed to rely totally on God’s strength and guidance. God guided them constantly—in a pillar of cloud by day and a fire by night (verse 21). This is what I need and desire, His constant guidance. Moses had to follow God’s direction ("Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea," verse 16a) and God’s more difficult part was the parting of the seas. God does involve us in His plans, we just have to trust and follow Him, and He will do His part.
In answer to my questions, I am excited and anticipating my eternal destination and trusting in God’s steps for my journey. I would like to close with a prayer from a daily devotional of prayers by Sarah Young, Jesus Listens, June 11:
Jesus, my constant Companion,
I want to walk joyously with You through today, holding Your hand in trusting dependence. With You beside me, I can savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties this day will bring. Help me to appreciate everything You’ve prepared for me: beautiful scenery, bracing winds of adventure, sheltered nooks for resting when I’m weary, and much more. I’m thankful that You are not only my constant Companion but also my Guide. You know every step of the journey ahead of me—all the way to heaven.
I don’t have to choose between staying close to You and staying on course. Since YOU ARE THE WAY, being close to You IS being on course. As I FIX MY THOUGHTS ON YOU, I trust You to guide me moment by moment along today’s journey. Help me not to worry about what I’ll encounter on the road ahead. And please keep reminding me that You are always by my side. This sets me free to focus on enjoying Your Presence and staying in step with You.
In Your joyful Name, Amen