There are Two PATHS. Like Adam and Eve in the beginning, we can choose to continue along our own path, living life as we see fit, searching hopelessly. Looking to possessions or positions, to experiences or people, to satisfy the lingering ACHE we all know so well. Sometimes it is satisfying, but it never seems to last. You ever notice that? There’s always a need for new, for more, for something … else. That’s life on our own path. And sadly, it ends in death. In this life, if you do not know God, you will have no desire or opportunity to know Him beyond this life. Thirst, hunger, and dissatisfaction become the hallmarks of life beyond death. FOREVER. But there is another way!
Jesus has opened a new way into LIFE for us. A new way to live. A life where sins are always forgiven, every sin you’ve ever committed, and all those just up ahead. No sin is too great! Imagine! A life where you are ADOPTED by the One who made you. A forever family! No more wondering if you belong, if you can be known, if you’re included. You are! ALWAYS. And no more loneliness. A life where God’s very own presence delights to dwell within you by His Holy Spirit. The very same Spirit that led Jesus when He lived on the earth. Think of it! ACCESS to the Living God 24/7. In your bedroom, in your car, at the office, in the store … there’s no place you could roam from His presence. His WISDOM? Available. His guidance? Always.
And His strength. The Spirit strengthens you from within to not only know what God wants for you, but to begin to want what He wants and to pursue what He wants. This is what you were made for! But we malfunctioned, remember? God’s GRACE puts us back together again! We can’t do anything to make things right, in ourselves or in this world. But God can make things right. In fact, He has … through Jesus!
So which path will it be?
The one you’re used to, that you cling to only because it’s familiar, not because it’s wonderful. Or Jesus’ path? The trail He lovingly blazed FOR you. A path that leads to life … a full, meaningful life of growing love for God and for others, and the promise of life with God and with God’s people forever!
Like any journey, if you get lost, you often need to turn around to move in the right direction. That “turn” is called repentance. It starts with acknowledging your sin—a life lived for self instead of for God. And then you receive His grace by FAITH and say “yes” to God’s new way of life led by His Spirit. None of us knows all that “yes” will mean when we begin, but a full “turn” includes yielding your will to God’s will, inviting Him to have His way in your life, more and more.
There are ups and downs along the way; times when you feel close to God and times when you wonder where He is. He’ll always be right there with you. There will be times when it’s clear what He wants and you’ll delight to obey Him, but there will also be times when it is not clear, or times when you choose steps from the old path. Those are mirages. They don’t hold out life. Thankfully, there is great grace available for you all along the journey! God offers you forgiveness whenever you ask and will graciously reorient you to the life He has in store for you.
What do you say, your path, or His? Faith in yourself, or faith in God?
If it’s faith in God…you might begin that journey with a prayer like this:
“Father, I don’t know all that it will mean, but I want to say ‘Yes!’ to you. I know that I have lived for myself, that I have sinned against you and others, and I am sorry. Would you please forgive me? I say ‘Yes!’ to your conviction in my heart.
I thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who laid down His life for me and rose again to give me newness of life.
I say ‘Yes!’ to your grace through Jesus Christ my Lord.
And I say ‘Yes!’ to the new way of Your Spirit. Fill me, change me, use me for your purposes and your glory. I want to grow to love you and to love others. Help me, Father. Thank you. I love you. Amen.”