By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4)
One time when we were traveling to Florida, I took the wheel for a while so my husband could get some rest. Gerry had been driving for several hours straight, so by the time he had settled into the passenger seat, he was ready for a nap. In a matter of moments he was fast asleep.
Ninety minutes later, he awoke and checked the map to see how far we had gone. Unfortunately, the roadway signs were not connecting with what the map indicated. It didn’t take long for him to realize that I had accidentally merged onto a different highway while he was asleep. We had been traveling in the wrong direction for at least an hour! With two kids in the back seat, anxious to reach our destination, this little detour was certainly not the best start to our little vacation, and I was to blame. I felt bad for making such a careless mistake.
We can encounter similar circumstances when traveling through life. The sudden realization that we are heading in the wrong direction can be painful. We might feel as though we’ve wasted so much time and become disheartened, discouraged, or even depressed because of our error. We need not feel this way because God can use every one of our misdirected moves and bring good from them – if we let Him.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)
At some point, God jolts us back into reality (sometimes it’s painful) to redirect us down the path He desires.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I wish I could say our little vacation mishap was the only time I’ve found myself heading in the wrong direction, but the truth is I’ve found myself needing God’s redirection many times throughout life. Sometimes it has to do with a relationship, other times it’s related to a poor decision, perhaps taking on something I never should have. No matter the situation, it’s hard to accept my fault in the matter at first, but eventually I’m able to see the valuable lessons that God has taught me along the way.
“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.” (Isaiah 30:20)
The straight and narrow path may be rough at times, but a sense of peace accompanies our journey once we realize God is traveling with us. He watches over us and redirects our steps when needed. He is completely trustworthy, and His ways are always best.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Keep connected to Jesus, and He will make your path straight.
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Acts 2:28)
