Scripture:
“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”
— Proverbs 20:24 NLT
Observation:
God is in control. Therefore when we are walking under His direction, it will not always be a smooth road. There will be bumps and ditches. There will even seem like there is no road in front of us. By trusting in His direction our steps will be along with His plan and path. However, when we do hit hard times our initial reaction may be to ask God, “Why are things the way they are? Why did you put me on this seemingly trial-riddled path?” Of course, our God is patient with all His children, so asking questions along the way will be expected. Yet, we are to trust that God will take us beyond the bumpy and dark roads.
We don’t need to know every single detail of the path ahead of us. It is not our place to try to understand. Should we try to, we would not move anywhere. That is it for us to trust in God in the direction He is leading us.
Application:
I don’t know if you are like me but if I am going to go on a trip somewhere, I like to plan it out. The itinerary for the upcoming trip needs to be readily available. I like to be in control in trying to optimize our time there. Although I may be able to map out activities and destinations, life is very different. God doesn’t give us an itinerary to look at so we know what is going to happen in our lives. Even so, He gave us His promise to always be there with us. He wants us to relinquish the control we would otherwise strive to have and trust in His timing, direction, and plan.
I need to start learning to let things go and let God. Giving up control over my life is a scary thing. But yet, it is God who is inevitably in control. Looking back at all the trials I have been through, times where God has brought me out of difficulties and rescued me from situations, I am ever so grateful for His being there.
Additionally, I need to stop trying to figure everything out on my own. I know trying to navigate through this life is so difficult by my own ability because I’m not that knowledgeable and wise. Rather, by looking back at things I can see that it wasn’t necessary for me to know every detail. I don’t need to always ask why this is the way it is.
I don’t need to know how God will move in my situation, but I need to trust that He will be in His time and according to His will. What I need to pray more, and develop the faith to say, “God, I leave this in your hands.” I need to be more thankful for His Presence in my life and His Providence over all that is happening in and around me. I need to praise Him for He is Good and the director and perfecter of my faith!
Prayer:
Dear God Almighty, thank you for taking care of all of us. As the song goes, “He’s got the whole world in His hands…” I realize that I have practically zero control over what will happen in my life. Please grant me your guidance and help me to keep from going astray or off your direction. Please forgive me for trying to take control of my life. I lay my life in your capable hands. Help me to live a life faithful to following you in all that you have for me. I love you and ask of this in your name Jesus, amen!