How To Know the Best Path for the Future

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Have you ever made what you believe to be the perfect plans when circumstances change and you realize that God alone knows the best path for your future?

Normally, if Rev came home with a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine we were going to spend the evening celebrating.

But one night years ago, he walked into the house with wine and flowers and I immediately burst into tears.

I knew this time it was an “I know you’re going to be disappointed” gift.

And he was right.

Rev had only been a pastor for a couple of years.

I grew up in Michigan and he was from Ohio. At the time we were living in St. Louis; so, when a church in Michigan extended a “call” asking him to serve as their pastor, we were thrilled at the thought of moving our family closer to “home.”

After visiting the area and meeting the people … we were delighted that the Lord seemed to have made a way for us to serve Him with a wonderful congregation in the mitten state.

But then, due to unexpected circumstances in St. Louis, it became clear that the Lord wanted us to continue serving in ministry there.

So, that evening when Rev walked in I knew we would live away from our parents, siblings, and larger extended family a while longer. (Please understand. We loved our lives in St. Louis, we just missed our loved ones in our home states.)

There are times, like that one, when God’s path for the future is clear, and other times … not so much.

But whatever path the Lord puts before us, His will is always the same. He always wants us to SEEK, KNOW, LOVE, TRUST, and OBEY Him and love the people around us.

I love this quote from Elizabeth Elliot…

“Experience has taught me that the Shepherd is far more willing to show His sheep the path than the sheep are to follow. He is endlessly merciful, patient, tender, and loving. If we, His stupid and wayward sheep, really want to be led, we will without fail be led. Of that I am sure.”

Let’s pause to pray God’s Word…

Prayers to Trust and Follow
God’s Path for the Future

Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path,
    for my enemies are waiting for me.

Psalm 27:11

Father, by Your grace and with Your help, I will SEEK You with all my heart. Please teach me Your ways and help me KNOW Your character and Your will. I want to make spending time with You a priority … living each day mindful of Your presence and love.

I know that the enemy of my soul is constantly looking for ways to discourage and defeat me as he tempts me with sinful pride and selfishness. Please help me keep my heart and mind focused on You.

Teach me, lead me, and give me everything I need to follow where You lead trusting that Yours is the best path for the future. Amen.

The Lord directs our steps,
so why try to understand everything along the way?

Proverbs 20:24

Lord, Your Word tells me that Your thoughts are nothing like my thoughts and Your ways are far beyond anything I can imagine. (Isaiah 55:8) Yet, You lovingly direct my steps and light the path before me.

I may not understand everything right away but I can trust that You know the end from the beginning. You know where I am, where I’m headed, and where I belong. With Your help and strength, I will walk the path You have prepared for me. And when I don’t understand, I will trust and obey until I see Your plan fulfilled. Amen.

When the Spirit of truth comes,
He will guide you into all truth.
He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard.
He will tell you about the future.

John 16:13

Father, thank you for giving us the blessing of Your Spirit. Your Word says that He is our Advocate, Comforter, Helper, Counselor, and Guide. You knew we would need Him to teach us Your TRUTH in a world full of lies. You knew we would need Him to lead us according to Your will.

John wrote that the Spirit teaches us what we need to KNOW. (1 John 2:27) Thank you for never leaving me to figure this life out alone. The world’s message is persistent, loud, and fickle but Your TRUTH like Your love is unchanging and everlasting.

I thank, praise, and worship You. Please give me all I need to listen and obey. Amen.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105

Father, Thank you for guiding my steps and lighting the path before me. I want to pay attention to know what You want for me. Please forgive me for those times I’ve failed to trust and follow. I’m so sorry.

Your way is best. Always. I will rest in Your Word to help me know You better. I will spend time with You in prayer to know Your voice. I will trust Your timing and humbly follow Your direction.

I need You. Thank you for leading me in love. Thank you for Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life. Amen.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends You,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139:23–24

Lord, I open the doors of my heart to You and surrender my life to You.

You know everything about me … my thoughts, words, hopes and dreams, actions and anxieties. You know it all and still, You love me. My heart desires to love You with all I am and all I have. I want to live each day for Your glory as You lead me along the path You have prepared for me leading me to my forever future in Your presence.

Thank you for making me Your own through Jesus. It is in His name, I pray. Amen.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us and He doesn’t keep it a secret. He lovingly guides and directs our steps according to His will when we open ourselves to His leading.

So, back to my story…

I’m thankful God kept us in St. Louis. Yes, we missed our families but the ministry opportunities we had and the friends we made, in the Gateway to the West, were a huge blessing.

By His grace, it didn’t take me long to realize that God had prepared the best path for our future.

When has God helped you know His path for the future?

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