An Overgrown Path!

Last week, when Kim and I were visiting our son Jonathan and his family, we took a walk/small hike with Jonathan (who had his 11 month year old son, Caleb on his back) to and into a nature preserve near their home. To get there, we had to walk through the townhouse complex in which they live and, for a short bit, along the road. Once we got into the preserve, we followed the trails that were throughout—trails that were for the most part well-maintained. It was a really nice hike through the woods, up and over some small hills, across a hanging bridge, and along a small lake. 

To get back home, Jonathan suggested that we take a different route that would lead along a creek and right to his backyard. I’m not sure we made the best decision when we said yes to his suggestion!  All was fine at first, but once we got out of the preserve proper, and since the “trail” in that part of the woods is not really maintained, we found ourselves walking through high brush and grass. After all, there had been a lot of rain the week before. Then we came to an area that had been flooded by the rain and had pretty much become a swamp. Now we had to figure out a way around—which forced us through the woods, pushing away branches that hung low in our face. Jonathan had to take Caleb out of the backpack carrier and carry him in front so as to protect his face from the branches. The hike home that should have taken us about 20 minutes, took us near an hour! Thankfully, we did eventually make it out of the woods and back home! (And Caleb seemed to have had a great time!) 

If you think about it, our experience in the woods is not all that different from we all too often face in life. Things start out well and the way seems pretty clear. Suddenly, however, we find ourselves faced with all kinds of hazards and obstacles that slow us down, deter us, and can set us off course: sickness suddenly appears, a loved one dies, a job is lost, temptation rears its head, etc., etc.  If we are not careful we can end up far off course and thus, never living out the life we know we’ve been called to live as followers of Jesus Christ. 

That is why we need the Ultimate Guide by our side. After all, God himself has promised to lead us, guide us, protect us, and the clear the way for us, if we will but trust in him. As the psalmist wrote, “He guides me along the right paths for his name sake.” (Psalm 23:3 – NIV) And, “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” (Psalm 18:36)  The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.”  (Isaiah 26:7)

In the end, by means of his presence and his Word, God has promised to help us through the obstacles and hazards of life, making sure we stay on the right path that we might reach our final destination, eternity with himself.  So no matter what obstacles and hazards may show up in your life, be careful to not get set off course, but instead keep your eyes on the goal and your trust in the One who has promised to get you there! 

May we all be able to say with the psalmist, “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.” (Psalm 17:5) 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris