The road ahead often winds and maneuvers in ways we could never imagine.
My wife and I were at a retreat in the Tennessee mountains. One morning when we had free time, I invited her to hike on a nearby trail. Moderate in intensity, the trail meandered by farm sites hundreds of years old and through panoramic views of the numerous wildflowers growing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As we trudged along, my wife snapped a picture and said, “Look at the road ahead.”
Isaiah reminded the people of God’s road before them and how often they had chosen their own roads. Following God’s road would lead to his blessings, but they often chose the more heavily traveled road—the road of disobedience.
God’s road often has steep inclines. I’ve been on many mountain trails where I had to stop numerous times before reaching the top. Only with periodic rest stops and by guzzling fluids did I finally reach the pinnacle. However, as my wife and I discovered, what goes up must come down. Our return hike was downhill the entire way.
The road ahead contains unforeseen elements. I had hiked this particular trail sixteen years ago and remembered only scattered images of interesting things along the way to the waterfall at the end. Walking the trail now was like experiencing a new adventure as I anticipated what was next. God doesn’t give us a point-by-point map of where his road will take us—only the assurance he’ll be with us as we travel.
God’s road is sometimes uneven. This trail was. Some places were flat, but rocks, roots, and washed-out gullies dotted other spots. We slowed down when we approached these areas and chose our steps carefully. Trials and tribulations are parcel to life—some placed there by God to challenge and increase our faith. In those times, we need God’s guidance even more.
Taking God’s road also puts us in touch with fellow travelers. Porter’s Creek Trail is a popular hiking area because of the plethora of wildflowers. Hundreds of people preceded and followed us. Whatever road God leads us down, he’ll always provide fellow travelers to help us make the journey.
Regardless of your road, God and others walk beside you.
Father, I ask you to guide me as I walk the road through the valley, up and over the mountain, and through the wilderness.
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