Where do we go from here? This question comes to mind when we face decision points in life. We take an inventory of the things that have happened and the current situation to decide a direction. Which way do we go? What direction are we headed? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Every new season brings with it a new set of challenges. As our faith increases, we start to recognize more clearly the hand of God and where He is working. We also gain a desire to join him. One of the greatest blessings in this life is working alongside God and watching Him perform life changing miracles.
Sometimes though finding the right direction can be a difficult process, especially when the road to the desired destination is one that you wouldn’t even think of walking. We think we know the way. We think we know how things should go. We think we know what should happen. We don’t. Things rarely are as predictable as we think. “I didn’t see that happening.”
Remember Peter and his friends out fishing, John 21, they caught nothing. I am sure they were wondering what they needed to do, what direction did they need to go? What they didn’t expect was to meet Christ on the shore. They didn’t expect to catch so many fish. They didn’t expect he would have breakfast for them. They certainly didn’t expect that he would have forgiveness and direction for them.
They found direction in a place they didn’t expect. Isn’t that just like Christ, He meets us where we are and guides us in the direction we need to go. Christ promises to do that if we allow him into our lives. We would do well to let him show us the direction we need to go.
Mathew 28:16-20; Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This passage reveals a couple things that will help us as we look for direction in our lives. Notice they went to the place Jesus told them to go. I’m not sure they went with the confidence that this was the right direction, but they followed Jesus’ direction. It says they met Jesus there but some doubted indicating they weren’t sure what they would find.
When we talk about following the directions Jesus gives us, many times we lack the confidence to know it is right. We need to have trust and faith in Christ, the one who provides the direction. When we do, and follow, we will meet Christ there, joining Him in doing God’s will. The best direction we can have in life is to join God where he is working. He will direct us there if we put our trust and faith in him. Even in our doubt he will reveal himself.
This passage also reveals that God has a plan for us. He has work for us to do. Notice the order of things. God’s plan isn’t haphazard. First this, then this and then finish with that. We can see by how God is revealed in the Scripture that he has a direction for us, he is organized and his plan is well thought out.
Let’s see if we can follow along; Go, don’t sit around waiting for folks to come to you, go to them. Tell them about me, share with them the things I have done for you and how your life has taken a new direction because of your faith in me. Help them put their faith in me also. Welcome them into the family, help them proclaim to the world what they have decided in their heart. Teach, nurture, guide and walk alongside as they seek to follow my direction.
Look at the last statement of the passage, Christ doesn’t expect us to do something apart from himself. “I am with you always.” Helping us find direction doesn’t mean telling us where to go and then sending us down the road. No, Christ gives us direction and then says come on, join me, I’ll walk with you.
How much better is the road of life when you have a traveling partner? When you have someone who has been there and knows the way? When you have someone who will walk alongside, never leave you or let you go?
There is something to be said for following someone who has been there, someone who has walked the road, someone who knows the way. We benefit from their experience, knowledge and understanding. Christ has walked the road he offers to travel with us. He knows the way. He understands what is important. He knows the direction we must go. Join Him on the journey.
Deuteronomy 31:8; Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Blessings,
Pastor Don