Which Way Should We Go?

“Paul and his companions traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to” (Acts 16:6-7).

Do you love the movie, The Wizard of Oz?

One of my favorite scenes is when Dorothy encounters the scarecrow for the first time. She and Toto are trying to find Oz, via the yellow brick road, and the scarecrow provides some direction from his perch. First he points to the right. But then he changes his mind, and points to the left, confusing Dorothy. To make matters worse, he then points to both directions at the same time.

Isn’t that a lot like life? Our world has many moving parts and many directions we can take. Sometimes, like the scarecrow, we can’t make up our minds which way to go.

Is it right, or is it left?

Do we take both paths?

How do we know if we’re selecting the correct route?

I have found when I ask God to direct my steps, he does.

When I insist on my own way, and force a plan, it’s doomed for failure.

What are you prone to do?

In his journeys, the Apostle Paul listened closely for the Holy Spirit’s direction. Even though he had a route mapped out for missionary journeys, he would detour when told by God to avoid a region. He didn’t demand his own way and barrel through.

In Acts 16 it says Paul and his companions were prevented by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia. The Spirit of Jesus later blocked them from entering another region. So they obeyed, and turned around.

Maybe there is something you really want to do. Maybe you have a vision that could make a difference in the world.

I know, because that is where I sit, longing for God’s favor, and for an open path. But, I will not proceed, unless the God directs and provides.

Thy will, not mine, O LORD.

If an idea is from God, remember dear friends, he will supply all your needs.

When God called me to seminary, I came out debt free, thanks to his supernatural provision. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, an advanced religious education was my Father’s route for me. Once I saw his hand in that particular call, I gave everything I had to the classes I took, because I saw how God directed, and how he rained down financial blessings. Miraculously, I completed a Master’s in Theological Studies in 2008. I could have never done it, if God had not gone before me.

In Matthew 11:30, Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

That doesn’t mean life will be trouble-free, but it does mean we won’t have to pry a lock in order to walk through a door. If we listen, and watch closely, the direction we are to take will be obvious, and the entry will already be wide open.

We have to be willing to turn around, if the Holy Spirit whispers, “Not this way.” We must humble ourselves if there’s a holy blockade in front of us, and change direction.

Life doesn’t have to be like the old game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” where you randomly choose one of three doors, and hope it’s right. We can be certain of the correct door by paying attention to the small, still voice that leads us.

God is faithful. He makes the path clear. In Isaiah 45:2, it says the LORD has the ability to “level the mountains,” and “cut through bars of iron.”

That’s who I want clearing the land in front of me. That’s the kind of guide I desire. What about you? There’s no confusion when we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. When it’s his direction for our lives, he will carry us through the right door and remove any obstacles.