We set the stage for our future at any point in time by building level paths to walk or uneven paths. Level paths lead to healing, to fulfillment, and make the run easier to navigate. If we aren’t careful, there are times that we are not even aware of the path we are setting before us. This whole thing about paths is about setting a foundation in our life upon which we can run the race of life.
It’s funny how we are so instrumental in our own path in life. The truth is….God gives us the choice. The bigger truth is…..He has given us wisdom to guide us (Scripture) and even more…….as we choose to include Him in our life; He is there as a refuge and to give us strength.
Hebrews 12:13 (TNIV)
“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.Proverbs 4:26 (TNIV)
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.Matthew 7:24-27 (TNIV, Jesus is talking here)
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When we set a poor foundation, we’re disabled. Notice that Jesus says, “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice”–this is HOW we lay that firm foundation, that even path in our journey called life.
Are you setting an uneven path in your life?
— Are you honest at work, with your spouse, in school?
— Do you have a strong work ethic, giving 100% because you work for something greater than any boss or company?
— Do you seek sex as God designed (sex only within marriage) or do seek your own pleasure?
— Do you harbor attitudes of bitterness or unforgiveness?
— THE LIST GOES ON….doesn’t it?
So, consider your purpose………you get to choose: misery or progress, a level or an uneven path, what will it be? How much do you want your day filled with self-pity and misery? OR How much do you want your day filled with the breakthrough of joy and progress?
If you decide to go the misery route (life without God, an uneven path)…….then by all means go ahead: Get bitter about your problems and the unfairness of life. Escape each day through chemical addiction or some other type of short term addiction of pleasure….it will certainly feed the misery you choose. In the end, rest assured that you will die a snarling life that you felt should have been better.
Of course, you can also choose a life of progress (life with God, a level path). You can agree to cooperate with the wisdom of God, indeed, the wisdom of Jesus, by applying it to your life. You can progress in adjustment to life simply by seeing the reality that God knows what He is doing and you can live in the light of His promises. In the end, you can rest assured that your life will never end but will be eternal. Oh….life on this earth will surely end…..but there is something much greater waiting for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus.
What path do you choose?
You get to set a path, paving stone by paving stone, every day in your life….if you “Make level paths” for your feet…….you will not be disabled in life, but rather, you will find peace and healing.