Sometimes the phrases you learned as a child never make sense until you are older.
Sometimes it never seems like there is much to look forward to.
Sometimes it seems like the world is against you.
Sometimes the loved ones don’t show love when you need it most.
Oftentimes certainty is not on your side.
Proverbs is full of phrases that can confront matters like this. Chapter three describes so much concerned with the Christian walk that we as followers could naturally find as so obvious. Yet as they are so obvious, they are all so often easily forgotten.
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will fin favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the lord, and turn away from evil. – Proverbs 3:3-7
I think many people raise in a Church based home remember the middle section of this passage. However, the other verses listed alongside are a great accompaniment.
Going along with this theme, I am excited and somewhat freaked out about my possible journey that I may take this following fall. For those of you that do not know, I have recently been certified to teach English overseas. I’m praying that I will go somewhere that will help me grow much in my walk. Now more than ever, I see the obstacles growing more and more than usual as I reach the last month of college. This includes family members discouraging me about going, lack of interest from other’s advice, and even my uncertainty.
I guess it is true that ministry gets more and more lonely the deeper you go in. Only God knows where I’m going. Just like it says in the passage to trust in Lord and not lean upon our own understandings of the current situation, faith is something we walk in through trust and not by knowing. If we knew it all, why would there be God.
Loving others turning from evil is key to continuing this steadfast path. I don’t know why God gave me a cold father I never will know how to relate or understand. Though, everyday I have to love him just as Christ loved me despite how twisted and crooked I can be. He has called me to love others no matter how much of a challenge it is. This is Christ calling me to be not wise in my own eyes, fearing the lord, and turning away from evil. Maybe I can use this message acted out to change others. I need to learn to trust the Lord of what he has provided for me. He gives and takes away.
So far in my journey, I have not seen any doors close. God has allowed me to go so far. If he allows me to go until the door closes, then that is what works. I have acknowledge him and know that he will make my paths straight no matter which ways they are facing. He is in control, not me.
