You Can't Get There From Here

Have you ever felt like that? Like God is calling you to some new place and you have no idea how to get there, especially from where you are now? 

We think we own our lives and we should have all the details worked out but that is not what God says.

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

We are continually being called to new places in our walk with the Lord. The problem is we want all the directions before we leave. We want the future destination, the money for the trip and the exact directions of how we are going to get there before we decide if we will go. Unfortunately that is not how God works. He asks us to walk through the open door first, then He will provide the how, what, where and when.

The unknown is what will bring God all the glory, other wise we are still in control and there is no faith required for the trip. We have to trust God and be OK with not understanding How He does things.

Proverbs 20:24 A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Recently I was in New York and my brother and I were going to take a walk in the woods. The problem was we were in about 2 feet of snow and I was having trouble keeping up. Being the brilliant person I am I realized if I walked in his footsteps it was a lot easier. I didn't have to make a path.

The Lord spoke to me and said this is how it is with our spiritual walk. We meet up with Jesus and He has the way planned. He will go before us and protect us, we just have to trust He knows the best way.

We start off with Him but soon we can't handle not being in control and we go our own way.

I will share my latest testimony with you as an example.

I knew the Lord was telling me it was time to leave my current home so I started to pack. I had no job or new address lined up but I got my boxes.  A few weeks into my decision to move I began to feel anxious about all the uncertainty. Yes I am still human. 

It was Christmas Eve night and I decided to pray, again, for a job and my finances. I started praying financial prayers from the Bible over my life.  As I was praying out loud my phone rang. It was my sweet sister Roxanne asking if I knew anyone looking for a job. Seriously, it was Christmas Eve, who calls about jobs on Christmas Eve! Only God!  He was providing the next step.

You see Gems the first step is to decide you will follow God then He will move again. One of my favorite life verses is Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,a light on my path.

It's OK to make plans after you hear from God BUT you have to be willing to move forward in the Lord's direction even when it doesn't make sense, especially when it doesn't make sense.

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails

Gems I don't know where the Lord might be leading you but I do know it can be a very scary place. I want to encourage you to say yes. Make the first step, decide, then He will show you the next step. 

The going part is your decision the how it happens is God's responsibility. He always provides provision for His purpose.

I may fall along the way and I may make some wrong turns but God will direct me. And He will direct you!  

Proverbs 3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

These scriptures are in the Bible because He knows we need them. Jesus knew we would need encouragement and coaxing and obviously so did the ones who went before us.

Isaiah 30:21 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."

Jeremiah 42:3 Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do."

I have decided to follow Jesus and I know He will make my steps firm even when I'm having trouble keeping up. We will be OK because with Jesus we can get there  from where ever we are.

 Psalm 37:5-7 Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,your vindication like the noonday sun.