Digging Deeper

“Everyone of us have strayed away like sheep!  We have left God’s paths to follow our own.”  Isaiah 53:6

 On a trip to Reno, Nevada, for a bowling tournament, my husband decided to take a “short-cut” to get us to our destination quicker.  We turned off the highway onto a little dirt road that looked like it would connect us directly to our final leg of the trip.

 As we ventured down this dusty road, we thought it was cool to see an old dog, lounging in the middle of the road, get up and greet us.  The drivers of the pick-up trucks were all so friendly, waving to us, as we drove by.   The further we went the more excited we got thinking we’d be making great time once we reached the next highway.  Then it happened.

The road started closing in on both sides – going down to one lane.  Okay, country roads will do that.  But with each mile, it seemed it was getting smaller and smaller.   I happened to look out the back window and noticed a vulture flying behind us, seeming to circle the car.  Oh, this couldn’t be good.  We laughed nervously about it, but the mood in the car changed.

 It was about this time my husband realized we were heading up a mountain on what appeared to be a horse trail.  Looking down, we saw a huge drop that would not be pleasant for the car, nevertheless for us.   We had to decide if we should venture onward and try to get to the other side of this mountain or carefully back down the trail to the road.  The vulture also seemed to be waiting on our decision.

 Does that ring true of any journey you’ve taken?  You’re cruising down the path God wants you on and everything seems to be going well.  Then you come to a crossroads and you think “Well, I know this way will get me where God needs me to be, but this one will get me there quicker and easier than the one He has me on.”

 So, you choose the other path, and for a while, everything is great and you’re having a good time.  Then, because it’s not a path you’re supposed to be on, things change.  Nothing seems to go right.  The road and vultures (Satan) close in. 

 You’re at another crossroads, where you must choose whether to take your chances on this road or try to get back to God’s path.  The choice can be difficult unless you’re willing to trust God to get you where He needs you to be.

 As we sat there trying to make our decision, I happened to notice something on the map in very tiny print.  It read “Road for Local Use Only.  Hazardous Driving Conditions for Non-Locals.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those tiny words were printed on a huge sign every time we came to a crossroads so we’d know for certain which path to take?

 Needless to say, we made it out okay.  Silent prayers were put up as my husband slowly backed the car down the mountain to the main road.  And, I’m almost certain I saw a tear in that vulture’s eye.

 Bible Reading:  Proverbs 2

 Heavenly Father, I admit I need You to guide my every step.  For without Your divine guidance, I seem to head in the wrong direction.  As I come to each crossroad in my life, Lord, help me to listen for Your directions and trust in them even when it seems You are taking me the long way to my destination.  For I know with You as my pilot, I will always arrive in due time.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

 Sonja Neal