Which Way, Lord?
by Ron Scurfield
Are we standing at the crossroads, unsure which way to take? Perhaps we’re lost in a fog and can’t see the way ahead? Or it may be that all doors appear to be closed and we’ve run out of options. What should we do?
The logical Christian answer is that we ask the Lord for direction. But in the midst of turmoil and confusion, when our attitudes are wrong and our patience is thin, and worry begins to take hold, how can we hear the voice of God?
Jesus said, ‘Do not worry about tomorrow’ (Matthew 6:34). ‘Do not worry about your life’ (Matthew 6:25). The Apostle Paul said, ‘Do not be anxious about anything’ (Philippians 4:6). It’s plainly wrong to worry, but how can we avoid it?
By worrying we become more concerned with the enemy’s influence over or lives than in trusting God. A worrying Christian is easy meat for the enemy. We listen to his lies telling us that God doesn’t care about us, and we believe them. ‘Be alert ... Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:6). ‘Do not give the devil a foothold’ (Ephesians 4:27).
We need to look constantly to the Lord, not at our circumstances. Trust Him. He is aware of our situation and really does care. ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7).
If we ensure that our lives are right with God through repentance of self and forgiveness of others, and there’s no loophole through which the enemy can gain control, we can turn towards God and begin to see things in a different light, from His perspective. Then His purposes can be worked out in our lives: ‘Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33).
Once our distractions, anxieties and fears are put behind us, and with God to the fore, His direction can be discerned. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths’ (Proverbs 3: 5-6). Our will and our wants can be handed over to Him, without prejudice, giving Him freedom to act on our behalf.
‘Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life’ (Psalm 143:8).
Prayer: Lord, You know the way I should take. I know You are the way. Help me to see through the fog of indecision. I only want to do what is right in Your sight and ask that You guide me at this time. Forgive me where I have stepped out of line. I choose to put my trust in You and walk with You through the darkness. Thank You Jesus. Amen.
Ron Scurfield with his wife Jill, are part of the Associate Ministry Team at Ellel Grange and occasionally Ellel Scotland. Ron enjoys walking and writing and meeting interesting people, but his greatest joy is seeing God transform lives, setting people free to live the abundant life that Jesus intended.
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