Today the boys and I went for a walk in the woods. We were going along just fine enjoying all of the sights and sounds when suddenly Pete calls out, “We are lost. This is not the way we usually go.” I assure him that we are not lost and tell him to continue following me and we will be fine. This does not reassure him. He stops and looks around and declares, “No. I think we are actually lost. I can’t even see a path anymore.” Again…I assure him that it’s ok if he doesn’t know where we are because I do, so he can stop worrying and follow me. Still unassured he begins scouting around to see if he can find a path for us to take. While looking he starts singing, “My mom got us lost. Lost in the woods. At least there are berries. And at least there are no bears. Don’t follow my mom in the woods.” I will admit the tune was catchy, but we really weren’t lost. Or at least we weren’t really lost. I may not have known exactly where we were at all times, but that doesn’t qualify as lost. At least I am not admitting that it does. I did lead us safely out of the woods with only a few minor scratches and lots of memories.
Anyhow, it reminded me of how I so often am as I follow God through the paths of this life. “I think we are lost God. This does not look familiar.” He assures me through His word. “Lean not on your own understanding Joy. In all of your ways acknowledge me and I WILL make your paths straight.” But God, I cannot even see the path. I want to know where it is going! Tell me and I will follow you! Again He says, “My Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path Joy. Keep following me because I know where we are going. You don’t have to.” That sounds good God, but just let me look for some paths. I will feel better then. I think this time we really are lost. Actually I found a path that looks so good! Why don’t you follow me this time?” Patiently again He says, “I will show you the proper path Joy. When you trust me enough to obey me you will see that I have been leading you with unfailing love. Follow me.” I would think that after all of the times I have followed my own path only to end up wondering how I possibly got so lost that I would follow with out asking so many questions. That I would know that while He will not leave me, He will not follow me. That I would trust enough just to keep moving forward looking diligently for His path instead of wearing myself out while searching for my own.
I may have been a little lost this afternoon. But God has never, will never, can never be lost or leading me astray. I may not be able to see where I will end up. But I know that He not only already knows He will be there when I get there. And when I get “there” He will be ready to keep leading me to the next unknown. I pray to trust Him more.
Paraphrased verses from Proverbs 3:5, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 25:8-10
