Knowing the Way
by Malcolm Wood
The other day I had my son beside me as we were trying to avoid the traffic hold-ups on the busy Nottingham ring road. My son, who’s lived in Nottingham many years, is familiar with all the side roads and alternative routes. As he told me where to turn, which lane of traffic I should be in, and which exit of the roundabouts to take, I was so glad he was with me. His knowledge and experience of the area is much more than maps and Sat Navs are able to provide.
There are things in our lives which from time to time hinder us and prevent us from walking in our destiny. We need the help of a guide who can help us navigate an alternative route to avoid such obstructions. Jesus is our constant guide. He knows the way ahead and will help us find it if only we trust Him.
I trusted my son because I was sure he knew the way. I followed his instructions. The choice was mine. I could have decided not to. In the circumstances that would have been rather foolish. I could have let him drive, but it was my responsibility. It was my car. It was insured for me to drive. I was qualified and equipped to drive, and it was up to me to abide by the rules of the road to safeguard not only the occupants of the car but other road users as well.
In our lives God’s provided us with all we need to make it through, as long as we look to him. In Psalm 32:8 we read ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go’. Neither does He expect us to go it alone, because He’s promised ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20).
It’s not really an option to abdicate and take our hands off the wheel of our lives. God’s given us our lives and we’re responsible for what we do with them. Whatever our circumstances, and whoever has caused the pain and hurts we suffer, it’s our relationship with God and to others which is the crucial issue. With God’s help, it’s this issue that has to be dealt with if we are to move beyond the hindrances and get back on to the route that God’s planned for our lives. ‘For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end’ (Psalm 48:14).
Prayer: Dear Lord, please teach me Your way and help me to avoid those things in my life which would hinder me from attaining all You have for me. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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