by: Shaprecious McGruder
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
So you’re just not ready to go on your journey? We’ve all been on plenty of trips, but can we honestly say that is was God driven….or did He even make it to riding shot gun? This time you’re looking for a better ride. A less bumpy one, less confusion, and fewer roadblocks. There are a few steps that you need to take to make sure you can fully complete the Journey (and especially with God.) That’s a major part so often we begin the trip with Him, but somewhere along the way we lose sight of Him.
- Deciding where to go…When deciding which direction to go in with your life. You can call your momma, your sister, girlfriends, and even your Pastor, but if you haven’t spoken with God about it then you’re already going in the wrong direction and you haven’t even pulled out the yard.
Pray
Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks.
Plan
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.
Go!
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord. He said, “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!”
Packing- when getting ready to go on your new journey it’s best to leave some things behind. You can’t take everything with you and to be honest it’s best you don’t. Save some room for you to pick up new things this world has to offer.
(Matthew 11:28-29) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Don’t get caught up on the luggage. It doesn’t matter if you pack it in a paper, Ziploc, or hefty bag! We all come with some sort of baggage, some more visible than others. Control the issues you can and the others toss in a backpack and go! Remember the lame man in (John 5:8) Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”
Traveling- So you’re finally on the path you want to be on and you're traveling. Don’t forget who is riding with you. Could you imagine going even on a small road trip and the person utters not one single word to you? Not a "thank you" for joining me or anything? Picking up old habits like that is usually when we get off course, but it’s ok God is the official GPS and He will place you all the way back to the starting point if you get too far off target just to humble you and get your attention. When approaching turns, roadblocks, pit stops, and even hitch hikers always consult Him because whether we acknowledge Him or not He is involved in everything we do.
- John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just because I seek not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”
- Traffic Sometimes on your journey it will feel like you’re right in the middle of a traffic jam and are not going anywhere. That’s when you take a deep breath and reflect on how far you have come. It’s still a long road ahead, but God has been faithful in bringing you along this far on your journey. So be patient and know that your exit is coming.
- Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
- Are we there yet? Like children on the way to Grandma’s house, we can get very impatient and antsy... especially waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you have to find another route or in some cases routes. You may feel like you’re going in circles or running out of gas.
- Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
- Ecclesiastes 3
- You Have Arrived at Your Destination!
Rejoice- So many times we pray to God asking for safety and guidance. Going to Him for deliverance and doors to open, but when He does we forget to give Him the proper thanks.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Share your journey – God didn’t bring you out of everything you went through on the way just for you to keep it to yourself. Spread how good God is to you and how He was impacted your life. Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world. Preach the good news to everyone." Share your trials and triumphs, encourage, and even mentor; Just don’t set up residency.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Excellent article!
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