Choosing the Right Path
by Angie Whitaker
Recently I began a programme of post graduate learning. As a ‘senior’ person, I struggled with knowing whether or not this was the right thing to do, partly because of my age and also, as a Christian, I really want to know that this is a part of God’s plan for my life. I don’t know how many productive years I have left and do not want to waste two years chasing a dream which is outside of His will.
My family were all unanimous and excited about mum embarking on yet another adventure. My husband was a bit more realistic, because he knows just how much I am already doing and what I would have to give up, but he is equally supportive if this was what I want to do and if I have no conviction that it is outside of God’s will.
My prayers have not convinced me one way or another. I prayed asking, “Lord Jesus, if this is not your plan for my life, please show me”. However, the doors opened easily, there were no obstacles, and after I had visited the Head of Department Professor twice, I signed up.
My journey has only just begun and is hard. I don’t like it and want to run away. I find myself in an environment in which I don’t shine for Jesus as I believe I should. I am out of my comfort zone. The demands of the course are making me doubt myself and what I am doing.
But sometimes we are asked to step out, not knowing the outcome, and, as we do so, He will be alongside, and our faith will grow. I have chosen to trust Him and to believe that He is with me and will guide my steps. God has never promised us that His way is easy, and so I will continue until if, and when, He is telling me to stop.
Maybe you are in a similar place and have decisions to make which will affect your future. God, in His abundant grace, gave us free will to make choices. He asks us to follow Him, to heed His instructions for our lives; not to control or to restrict us, but so that we may ultimately enter into the destiny He has ordained for us. God invites us to ask Him for guidance so He can show us the right path which will give us His rest and peace. His heart is to bless and not to curse.
Furthermore, we are warned to be careful how we walk, and what decisions we make, because there are many ways in this current age which would lead us away from Him. In Ephesians 5:15 Paul writes: ‘Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise … but as wise people, making the very most of the time because the days are evil’ (Amplified Bible).
Let us never lose sight of our dependence on Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, to make the right choices and to lead our lives worthy of Him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You have promised never to leave nor forsake us. Thank You that we can trust You to lead us on the right paths for our lives. With You alongside we have no reason to fear. Help us to be obedient to the call You have placed on our lives and help us to honour You with the blessings You have bestowed on us. Amen.
Angie Whitaker Angie, together with husband John, is a long-time supporter of Ellel Ministries. She is currently involved in Explore B at Ellel Grange and helps facilitate the pottery workshops on our "Healing through Creativity" courses.
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