This is what the Lord says; Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel it’s path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you replied, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ I posted a watchman over you who said ‘Listen for the sound of the alarm.’ But you replied, ‘No! We won’t pay attention!’ Jer. 6:16-17
Anymore getting somewhere new is rarely difficult. I have a great navigation system in my car, and it’s not failed me yet. However, there have been times when it’s definitely taken me the long way around!
I hate that feeling where the navigation system wants to take me one way, but I believe I know another way. It is the wrestling match over should I go my own way, or should I stay the course and listen to the navigation system.
As a believer, walking with the Lord can sometimes feel like driving with a navigation system. We stand at a crossroads, and inside we wrestle with do I go my own way or do I go His way.
When trying to determine whether to listen to the navigation system in my car I often have this internal dialog:
- The system could be wrong. I might end up getting lost.
- I could always try my way, and then allow the navigation to get me there if I am wrong.
- I know there is a shorter route to go. I’ll just ignore the system.
When standing at the crossroads of life, the internal dialog isn’t much different:
- What if I am not hearing God’s direction, what if I’m wrong?
- I can just do it my way, and if it’s not God, He’ll correct me.
- God’s way seems like it is taking me completely away from where I’m supposed to go, it must not be Him.
Sometimes my navigation system does take me the long way to my destination. There are even times my route would have been ok. However, if I do choose my way the drive is always stressful. There is a constant question of am I going the right way, or did the navigation system know something I didn’t. The same is true with God.
God’s way may look as though it’s taking me a longer way around, but as the scripture in Jeremiah said, Travel it’s path, and you will find rest for your souls. When I travel God’s direction I stay confident.
God’s road may not look very appealing, and because it doesn’t look very appealing, you’ll probably want to resist it. So, make sure you seek godly counsel. God will speak through others in your life. Don’t let your choice of direction say ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’
My navigation system will not force the car onto the chosen route. It will only remind the me to turn around. God is the same. He will never force us to choose His will. However, like the scripture above, He sets watchmen in our paths to sound the alarm that we are headed in the wrong direction! Don’t let your choice of direction say No! We won’t pay attention!
God’s desire is to bring you His very best. Don’t resist it because you don’t like the route!
NOW YOUR TURN: What are some things that concern you when you stand at the crossroads of your will or God’s will? Are you wondering if it’s God’s voice? Do you worry that you’ll miss a turn? Let’s Chat…