The Path to Life
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “There is a path before each person that seems right,Ā but it ends in death.” Proverbs 14:12 NLT
While many want to believe it to be true, the idea that “all paths, end in the same destination” is not just the “way it is.”Ā This “path” of life is more than just a decision about what to do with my life. It speaks more of the direction of my life and who is in control and in whom do I trust. Is it myself? Others? God?
I have people be so bold as to say, “I have tried to live a good life, work hard, provide for my family and if that isn’t good enough for God, then…..”Ā When we “choose our own path” not so much in life but of life that makes all the difference. “Death” does not come by choosing one occupation over another. It does not come from what college I attend or if I choose to pursue a particualar goal in life.
Death comes when we choose a path that ignores God and turn a deaf ear to His invitation to follow Him in life’s journey.
David declared, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11 NIV)
The psalmist declared, “Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24 NLT)
Jesus put it in straight forward words, “The highway to hellĀ is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14 NLT)
So, the call and the challenge is to follow the Lord in the path of life. The reality is that all of us start out charting our own direction in life as seems “best” to us. It is the Lord’s grace and mercy that call us to “follow Him.” Our natural inclination is our “own way.” That is why the prophet declared, “All we like sheep have gone astray;Ā we have turnedāevery oneāto his own way….” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV)Ā
It was Thomas who seemed to ask in frustration, āLord, we donāt know where you are going, so how can we know the way?ā (John 14:5 NIV) Jesus simply said, “I am the way….”Ā (John 14:6 NIV)
We can be confident in living our lives following “Jesus the way” and have confidence that on that path He will guide and direct our steps and allow us to know the joy and satisfaction of living our lives according to His will and purpose. With the psalmist our confidence as we on the “right road” is, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…” (Psalm 138:8 ESV)
Prayer for today…. Lord thank You that you show us the way to life and You give us purpose as we walk in the life that You have for us.