Today I found myself wondering who was navigating on the road trip that is my life.
Choosing Our Copilot Wisely
Months ago, I had a picture in my mind of being in an RV, off on an unknown adventure. I was in the driver’s seat and Jesus was my copilot, telling me when to take the next turn. I had no clue where we were going, but with Jesus as the navigator, it’s sure to be exciting!
Faced with a difficult decision recently, I have found myself like a homing pigeon, headed back onto old familiar roads, despite the new directions God has been confirming for me. Jesus recently indicated that we would be leaving the familiar, perfectly lit, well-maintained freeway, only to exit instead and follow a tar and gravel side road that is narrow and leads to only-he-knows-where.
To say that I’ve been worried is an understatement. “Wait, you want me to do what, Jesus?!” Obedience, however, is very important. I have asked my whole life for directions this clear and specific, and now that he’s given them I’m terrified.
Picture This
You’re on the freeway and you know you need to get off at the next exit. You turn on the turn-signal and then exit, waiting at the light at the bottom of the ramp. When the light turns green, instead of turning left or right onto the new road, you instead go right across to the on-ramp of the same freeway you were on moments before. It was a misfire for sure. You realize your mistake, and at the next exit you decide to turn around and course correct. Only you decide at the last second to reenter the highway going the same direction as before!
Can you imagine how long it would take to get anywhere if all you did was enter and exit the freeway? Sheesh. And yet, I feel that’s what I’ve been doing, along with stopping at the nearest Cracker Barrel and taking the longest most distracting pit-stop possible before reentering the highway to go the same darned direction, again.
Escape Artist
To say I’m an escape artist is an understatement. When overwhelmed, you can find me in the nearest comfy chair, with my cat Fitzy on my lap, binge reading as much Christian fiction as I can get my hands on or watching reruns of Alias and 24.
Who will save me from myself? Enter, Jesus. Knowing I was stuck in this cycle, I took a walk today to pray and clear my head. What verse entered my mind?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
That’s the thing about letting him direct our path…he can only direct us. He can’t make us exit the freeway and choose the seldom used road that leads to our next big adventure with him.
How can we work up the courage to take the next exit…the next leap of faith? We dissect Proverbs 3:5-6, that’s how. Let’s look at it together.
Examine Our Trust
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
Do we trust that he will take care of us on the path he is guiding us onto next? Do we trust we have heard clearly? What do we need to do to examine whether we are listening well? If we find a lack of trust, it’s time to dig in, repent, and pray for the ability to trust him without also trying to self-protect.
Lean On Him – Not Ourselves
“Lean not on your own understanding.”
This is really hard for me. I’ve been taking care of myself for so long that to lean into a plan I haven’t created, can’t control, and don’t understand is a test of my conviction that God is good and his plans are for my good and his glory. However, he is God! His understanding and goodness are beyond comprehension. He is trustworthy. Come join me in repeating this truth aloud a few times: “Soul, He is good and worthy of my trust.”
Acknowledge Him
“In all your ways acknowledge him.”
Where is he moving and speaking right now while we are on our lunch breaks, about to fall asleep, talking to our children or spouse? He’s with us! Let’s thank him and acknowledge his ever-present help and peace not only to ourselves but also out loud as a witness to those around us.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 NIV
He Will Direct
“He will direct your path.”
Jesus is directing the next step on the path, the next exit on the road trip of our lives. There comes a moment though when we need to decide whether or not to trust and obey or choose our own way.
My prayer for us today is that we will obey with willing and joyful hearts. Let’s pray it out together.
“Jesus, help me to trust you today with my whole heart. I have been leaning on my own understanding, and I repent and turn toward you again. Thank you for being an ever-present help in times of trouble. Thank you for guiding my next steps. I desire to trust you with every particle of my being. Help me to grow in trust, obedience, and boldness as I follow your path.
I love you, Jesus.”
Do you need some help trusting that God’s plan is good and for your good? You aren’t alone. Check out the blog I wrote about Jeremiah 29:11 and God’s plan to give you hope and a future!
Are you facing a detour on your road trip? Do you need some prayer and encouragement? I’d love to pray with and for you. Send me a note at leannahamptonauthor@gmail.com or reply to my newsletter after you sign up below!
