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Time Out for God Devotional Ministry By Danna Appleby Walking the Path of Life You will make known to me the path of life. In your Presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) There’s great emphasis placed in God’s Word on our Christian walk. I have learned that no matter what kind of curve ball life seems to throw, I must continue to walk the narrow path. That path is not always an easy one by any stretch of the imagination, but will be worth it in the end when I reach my heavenly goal. The load can get heavy at times, but I feel comforted by King David’s words: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22) Weary Traveler, what are your concerns? Notice I use the word “concern” in the plural because all of us have more than one. It’s the same for all who are on this pathway of life; we face many challenges. Take comfort that the Lord your God is with you and mighty to save. Not only will He instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, but will guide you with His eye. We need not fear because when we trust in God, He will point the way. I have also found that as much as I love family and friends, I must walk the narrow path alone. No one can walk it for me. No one can go with me. I am alone on this path. There’s an old song that says: Everybody’s got to walk this lonesome valley We’ve got to walk it by ourselves There’s nobody else can walk it for us We’ve got to walk it by ourselves (by A.P. Carter) Even though my father was a minister and my mother worked faithfully by his side, I learned early that I could not make it into heaven hanging on their coattails; I had to walk it alone. It’s only human nature to want to be with others as we travel the journey toward heaven. But even though no human being can walk with us on the narrow path, we can take One with us and that is the Invisible God named Jesus. He walks with us and we never have to truly be alone for He is our closest companion. He’s holding us so our foot will not stumble. He’s there to help us get through from day to day and as we face each and every trial. We have our Heavenly Father’s promise: “I will dwell in them and walk among them, I will be their God. And they shall be My people.”(Lev. 26:12; 2 Cor. 6:16) You may be wondering how you will know the right direction to take, but the Word tells us exactly which way to go: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.’” (Isaiah 30:21) Another thing is that the Holy Spirit gives direction to His children as they walk on the path of life. You’ll know you’re making the right decision when you have an inner peace. The Holy Spirit will speak to the spirit inside and when we come upon a crossroads we’ll have a calm assurance that we’re going the right way. Secondly, we’re instructed to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. If we acknowledge the Lord, He will always direct us. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Thirdly, we must walk by faith and not by sight. Each of us is given a measure of faith. With each hurdle we must cross, our faith becomes stronger. We don’t always know what lies ahead, but we will continually trust in God and know that He is working things out in His way and in His timing. Sometimes we just have to say, “I choose to believe God and trust in Him even though I can’t see it with my eyes.” Fourth, we’re to walk in love for love is of God. (1 Jn. 4:7) Sometimes loving others can be a real challenge, especially when personalities clash, but Jesus gave the commandment to love one another. We must pray to get through these difficulties in order to please the Lord. Fifth, we’re to walk in the spirit. If we walk in the spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. There are a host of problems that will arise if we don’t keep in step with the spirit. (Study Galatians 5:16-25) Sixth, we’re to walk as children of light. What does light have to do with darkness? Therefore, have nothing to do with it. There are those who come out at night and behave indecently. What they do is so evil that it’s shameful to even mention what they do in the dark. Those people are of the dark and it is evident that they have no light in them. If we’re to be children of the light, we must behave decently and in order. God is pleased with those who walk in the light for He is light. (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5) Several weeks ago I had a dream like I’ve never had before. I saw myself during the time of the tribulation period. I had to stay the night in a run down motel and sleep in a corner. When I was about to leave the next morning, I didn’t know if I should even bother to lock the door behind me. As I went out, I saw lines of people trying to get items from a pharmacy but no one was paying with money. I was alone and saw no one I knew. The next thing I knew I was walking up the side of a very steep mountain on a narrow dirt path. I was steadily walking upward, going higher and higher, concentrating on the path before me. Suddenly, I heard a voice that came from above that said, “Look up . . . for your redemption draweth nigh.” I looked up into a blue sky and then awoke. (See Luke 21:28) I hope I never forget that dream because it was a glimpse of the path I’ve chosen to take on my way to Glory. I realized sometime back that there are only two paths to choose from, one leading to Heaven and the other one which only leads to destruction and death. Perhaps you’re on the narrow path and facing a tremendous trial. Maybe the road you’re traveling has become difficult. I encourage you to continue trusting in God as you walk on life’s pathway. Keep praying that the Lord will work things out for you. Things may seem impossible but nothing is too difficult for God. He is the Master at problem solving. Keep pushing ahead Weary Traveler. Keep climbing up the mountain with Jesus by your side and soon you will see your great reward. Be courageous as you keep walking. As I said before, it will be worth it when you get to the end of your journey. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11) Prayer: Father, thank you for this reminder that we’re indeed on the path of life and that there are only two paths to choose from; the narrow one and the wide path that only leads to death. The narrow path is one many of us have chosen. It is not an easy one so we ask you to encourage our hearts as we push forward to reach Heaven, our Home. Keep us strong Father. Keep us alert for the enemy throws his fiery darts to discourage and distract us from reaching our goal. Keep us longing to see You face to face. Keep us humble but strong, loving you, and loving others with all of our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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