His Way is the High Way
I WANT to do God’s will. Really, I do. But how can I know what that is? I can’t claim to have this all figured out, but the more I seek to understand what scripture tells us about God’s will, the clearer it becomes. First, it is most important to understand the big picture why God created us. In the first place, it is to be in relationship with Him, and with each other. Mark 12:28-31 says: “Jesus said that the greatest commandment of all is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” So then, the all emcompassing purpose of life is loving God and loving people. Easy peasy, right?
Why does that sound so simple to accomplish when we’re waking up from a good night’s sleep? But then, we get up and meet up with people (i.e., our spouses, children, siblings, our co-workers, the store clerk, cashier, the grouchy neighbor, or the offensive news commentator, etc.) – all who, in some way, may challenge our love walk and talk. Loving God is a no-brainer, but loving people – all people – there lies the quandary.
But God said it and it pleases Him for us to choose love – no matter what. Just this week I let myself step out of God’s will when I met up with people! I ranted about something and really showed off some attitude. Immediately, I felt the tugging on my heart strings. I knew I messed up. Thank God, He keeps me on a short leash. Lord knows I need it. I do strive for staying in God’s will, so how do I let myself go there? Because if we’re in this world, the enemy of our souls snares us into choosing his will and his way. Good versus evil – since Adam and Eve learned the hard way and they had to pay. That’s why loving God and people are His will. I had to make amends, tucking my tail between my legs, as I expressed my apologies. I promised them, myself, and God that I purpose to do better with MY will which should be closely aligned to God’s will.
God is so faithful to us – showing His tender mercies when we make mistakes or make the wrong choices. He is there to reel us back in and redirect us to what we need to do and where we need to go. I remember my sweet husband’s analogy: “Picture a man submitted to God who seeks to live in His perfect will as he starts out toward his goal. He keeps moving onward until he gets to an intersection and looks to the left. Suddenly, his eyes open to the place he was supposed to go. Not until he reached that intersection, could he see that place.”
That was my move to Austin. I knew it was time to downsize. I knew it was God’s will for me to get my home ready to sell and find an apartment home. I started down the road and found a great retirement apartment home close by in Frisco. But, then I came to that intersection. Rather, when I told my son about that idea, he came back with his desire for me to live in Austin and I knew that was God’s will for me. Not until I made the first step forward, did the actual timing and location become evident. When we love God with all our hearts and live as connected to Him as we can — His will and our desires will come to pass. Lord, hold me tight and never let me go! You know AND I know, your will and your ways sure keep me out of trouble!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6