Show me the Path

There’s a TV show in the U.S. that Andy and I really enjoy watching. During the show a group of contestants compete in various games to win prizes and privileges for their particular team.

One of the games they play involves a team member being blindfolded and having to navigate an obstacle course to a final destination. The blindfolded person has to rely on just one team member (a navigator), who is given a bird's eye view of the obstacle course, shouting out instructions. To watch the blind-folded team member struggle to hear their navigator's voice whilst dodging the obstacles is great fun - especially when there are three or four teams all competing at once.

The outcome of the game depends very much on the character of the person who’s blindfolded. Sometimes you get blindfolded contestants who’re just so desperate to win they don't even try to listen to their navigator. They just steam on ahead, tackling whatever comes their way, and usually end up causing themselves all kinds of harm. Other contestants may spend so much time standing still and trying to listen to the navigator and ensure that they’re hearing right, that they never actually move. I think the wisest contestants (who often end up winning!) are the ones who tentatively step forward using their feet and hands to judge what’s ahead while straining to hear the instructions of their navigator.

When I look back on my Christian life, there have been times when I’ve been like these contestants. It’s as if I’ve been blindfolded and can’t see the path that’s ahead for me. It’s a vulnerable and scary time, even though I know I’m on the path that God set for me. How amazing though that my Navigator, the Lord Jesus, sees the whole picture, and His directions are perfect. He guides me along the whole path that lies ahead of me and walks right by my side holding my hand. David said - ‘Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand. You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny’ (Psalm 73:23-24, NLT).’

When we surrender to the Lord’s direction we can be like those wise contestants. We start to walk forward, yes perhaps tentatively and with caution, but secure in the knowledge He will keep us safe!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want so much to walk the paths that You have set for my life. Lord, please will You give me courage to walk Your ways. Give me ears to hear Your voice. Give me hope , knowing Your plans are always for my good. And lastly, give me an unshakable peace in the knowledge that You walk right by my side, holding my hand. Amen.