Signs Clearly Marked

Isn't it amazing how the mind works? Seemingly out of nowhere, it creates scenarios and pictures of possibilities and conversations, that sometimes may make sense and other times, seem way out in left field. As I traveled through an area yesterday, there is a road closure on my way, as a few miles later, they are putting in a round-about, at an intersection I'm going to drive through anyway... just not via the road I normally take. As I drove through and saw the signs, I imagined a group of friends who would travel through there for the first time.

One of the friends speaks up and says, road closure? Now where do we go? The individual goes on to state, that because of who she is, using a title that doesn't define her, but simply defines her relationship to a person of  position, how would she know where to go? Of course, my sarcastic mind  responds internally... just read the signs!!

Yet, unlike the road, where detours are always laid out when a closure exists (and sometimes the detours aren't so clearly marked) life rarely defines detours when certain paths are closed. You just know that some option or destination is not an available route to pursue, and so must go a different way about getting there or decide to do something different altogether.

How frustrating that must be, for one who doesn't look to God, the author and finisher of our faith. Even as I went to bed, less than 5 hours ago, pondering a decision, rather a potential decision in the very near future... I acknowledged, I can't do this on my own. I need help making decisions; choosing directions; recognizing the signs. He makes it all work for good; even our mistakes and thankfully, His grace is sufficient for my mistakes; but that doesn't make me want to willingly make them. I want to know before decision-time that I am where God wants me, doing what He has for me to do... lest I change the game and find out later, the game wasn't meant to be changed.

Even with our reliance upon God; such times are frustrating, agonizing and difficult to navigate. Hence we look to Him first and place our trust in Him, regardless; for the stress of this life without the help of the Holy Spirit is crushing to many and disconcerting to the rest. But there is rest to him who places his hope in God.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for those pastors struggling to make sense of the signs and those trying to understand where the detour they are on is taking them and why. Pray for a steadfastness of faith, unwavering in their commitment to trust God in all things, regardless of circumstance and its' appearance. Pray for those feeling lost, that God would like their paths and direct their steps. May their be a reassurance and a confidence anew, that God, is in fact, working all things together for good... even our mistakes and decisions of regret. For the past that haunts us; for decisions that bother us, for outcomes of the past that frustrate us, even when relaying the story... may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding comfort our hearts and calm our minds. Pray, that regardless of yesterday, that tomorrow would be hopeful and today would be a day of diligence.

May we live a life
Clearly marked by the hand of God.
For His glory, we pray.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

- PNC

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