As advertised, the annual meeting of our two-state Convention of Southern Baptists was a blessing. We were treated to great preaching and teaching, an uneventful but important business meeting, and much good fellowship. I came back re-energized and very much encouraged to press on in the Lord’s work.The trip to Lincoln was interesting, to say the least. It rained for most of the trip, and combined with my relative inexperience with the city, there may have been some doubt of our safe arrival. Then, as darkness came, the adventure took on a whole new challenge. We did manage to stay out of serious trouble and arrive at our destination on time. If I was to write a title for the experience, it would be “Twists, turns, missed opportunities, and dead ends.” In fact, there were even a few U-turns thrown in the mix.
This sounds a lot like the journey many of us have taken in life. We think we have a plan, but along comes the realization that it is not an easy road. For some reason, we believe life will be pretty simple and straight forward. Then when our plans are changed, or we reach some dead-end or detour, we want to throw our hands in the air and return to comfortable surroundings.
Here is something to remember, God has a plan, even though the road takes us into unfamiliar territory. When we encounter those detours, or maybe fail to understand some direction, or miss a turn now and then, He is still with us, guiding our steps back to the right way. As I look back on my own walk with the Lord, I can see how he has guided my steps, even in the dark times.
Here are a few verses that give encouragement: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
And from the Psalms: “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9).
Is God your guide, or are you still trying to find your own way? Something to think about.
In his guidance,
Pastor Jerry
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