Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Have you seen the science fiction movie Maze Runner? I saw it some time ago, and although some of the details are a bit sketchy, I do remember an overwhelming sentiment that I had while watching the movie. It was stressful! The kind of film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I don’t want to give away the story-line in case you have not, yet, seen it. But I will tell you a big part of the action revolves around a very complex maze.
Sometimes my life feels like I’m wandering aimlessly through a labyrinth filled with obstacles. I start traveling in the direction I sense God is leading me, only to find, after a long time into the journey, I’ve hit yet another dead end. After setting my course in a different direction, I start to wonder: God, don’t you see me struggling here? I could really use your help!
“Does he not see my ways and count my every step?” (Job 31:4)
It’s during these uncertain and troubling times that I wish God would just give me some clear direction.
Can you relate?
God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present. So why do you suppose He allows us to travel for such a long time in the wrong direction if He knows it will lead us to a dead end?
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Perhaps the answer is simpler than we would expect.
Maybe, just maybe, God is more interested in the journey than our end destination. I’m not referring to our salvation here. Of course God wants us to be with Him in heaven. (That’s why Jesus went to the cross). I’m referring to the goals, dreams, and aspirations we set out to accomplish for ourselves, even well-meaning goals directed towards serving God.
Let’s say we have an idea of what we believe God is calling us to do, and so we start down a particular path. But then God says, “That’s a really great cause, and I will even bless your efforts, but you need to remember, I’m more interested in developing godly character traits in you along the way, (pruning that which is not of me). My precious child, the end goal is only worthwhile if you are becoming a clearer reflection of my Son Jesus.”
Ouch!
It kinda puts my frustrations into a whole new light.
Okay, God. I get it. The dead ends that I keep running into are there, in-part, because you still have refining work to do in my life.
“Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them.” (Nehemiah 9:19-20a)
“…for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Proverbs 3:26)
Gracious Lord, help me to place more focus on the journey and leave the end destination up to you.
