Crossroads

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

            Have you ever been at a crossroad in your life, not knowing which way to turn?  Oftentimes God allows us to go there because he wants us in a place of total reliance on Him. Should I take this job? Should I continue in this ministry? Should I attend this school or that? There are many intersections we face over the years that can affect us long-term. The path can often seem unclear.  It reminds me of the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz trying to give Dorothy directions to Oz.  Do you remember that dialogue?

Dorothy: Now which way do we go? 

Scarecrow: Pardon me, this way is a very nice way.

Who said that? [Toto barks at scarecrow]

Don’t be silly, Toto. Scarecrows don’t talk.

[points other way] It’s pleasant down that way, too.

That’s funny. Wasn’t he pointing the other way?

[points both ways] Of course, some people do go both ways.

            Yes, sometimes we feel like the scarecrow.  It’s confusing!  But confusion is not of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.  I’m a firm believer that God gives us clear direction if we ask Him and lay our potential decisions at His altar. I am currently finishing up a book, applying for jobs and desiring to continue in ministry if that is the Lord’s will. I am confident the Lord will whisper in my ear, This is the way; walk in it.  However, I also believe I have to do the work so that God has some options to choose from for my life.  

            The Apostle Paul knows firsthand about God’s holy direction at crossroads. Paul had a plan for his journeys but at one point, he was warned not to preach the word in the province of Asia. Instead he was given a vision to go help the people in Macedonia.  He was at a crossroad and the Lord whispered which direction to go in his ear and he changed his direction.  Paul had some experience in being detoured by God!

            If you are at a crossroad right now, just remember the word “cross” in crossroad.  Take your decision to the cross.  Know that the Lord is with you and if you ask Him, he will guide you to your destination. This is the way, walk in it.