Crossroads

This is what the LORD says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around.

Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.”

But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’”

Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)

It was a beautiful day for a canoe trip down the Niangua River. With my husband in the back, me in the front, and one of our sons in the middle, we floated downriver, basking in the golden sunlight. Just beneath the surface, schools of tiny fish darted here and there, in search of food. For a while, the cares of life were set aside, and replaced with a sense of serenity and peace.

            Until we encountered a mound of rocks and fallen branches in the middle of the river. We had a choice: go left where the waters were shallow and might run us aground, or go right through a narrow channel between the debris and the shore.  I was trying to steer us towards the left, while my husband was trying to steer us right. Needless to say, we ended up stuck in the midst of the branches and had to be pulled into deeper waters.

            Life is full of crossroads, moments when we have to make critical decisions regarding the future. Some choices are fairly easy and sensible. Other choices can be head-scratchers: Should we or shouldn’t we? What are the pros and cons? What is the best option for our family?

            When faced with a crossroads, God urges us to pause and assess our situation. What is our destination? Are we in agreement concerning our family’s goals? Do we share the same objectives or are we headed in two different directions? Ask God to lead and guide in the way that is pleasing to Him. Keep Him in the heart of each decision you make, and He will guide you, opening doors and closing others. Keep your focus on Him and He will direct you along the path that is right for you.

Thought: “Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point – a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go more and more toward a slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest – our best for His glory.” – Oswald Chambers