Life’s Road

One of the lessons God taught me recently is that of “the road”. While on a hike, I was deeply moved by this image. Several things gripped my heart as I compared the road to our journey in life.

• “The pathway is mostly rocky, but some stretches are smooth.” In life, the path we walk is certainly full of rocks and bumps. We traverse through numerous difficulties. The earth is marred with sin. However, in God’s great mercy, He shows and will continue to show us His goodness even here in this life. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

• “Beauty surrounds you, if you only look for it.” In every stage of life, hard or blessing-filled, God surrounds us with numerous great gifts of His beauty. When we carefully examine our lives, we will find that every season, no matter how painful, bears marks of His grace and joy. Last year, I made it a practice to intentionally seek out God’s special gifts in each day. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV

• “Keep your eyes on Me and on the beauty.” Instead of dwelling on our sorrows, we should fix our eyes on Christ and praise the beauty of His character and His creation. Our Lord is so beautiful! “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!” 1 Chronicles 16:29 NKJV

• “When you are sore and weak, I will carry you.” This point was especially practical for me. While hiking, my legs became quite sore since I had trekked a long, hilly distance. What a comfort to know that when I am weak, God is strong, and He will carry me. “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

• “The road is charted and planned out by Me.” God has a perfect plan behind everything in our lives! He knows every twist and turn, every obstacle and scenic spot along the way. He is a trustworthy Guide! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

• “I will not let you fall.” As believers, we are held in God’s love, and though we may stumble, He will help us get back up. No one can snatch us out of His hand! “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ” John 10: 27-29 NKJV

• “I am with you every step of the way.” It is so comforting to realize and remember that God is walking with us, and He will never, never, never leave us nor forsake us. The road of life may be treacherous, but even when we feel forsaken, exhausted, or lost, we are never alone. Praise the Lord! “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

I pray you will know God’s love deeply, wherever you are on the road of life today.