Can you think back to that lovely period of time called adolescence when you thought you knew it ALL? I remember my parents giving me advice, and in the back of my mind, I would think, “They have no idea what they are talking about.” What I couldn’t understand at that point in my young life was that my parents gave their advice or made decisions based on their wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience.  They only wanted what was best for me and knew how to guide me in that direction.  It’s funny how things come full circle because I am now the parent trying to guide my children and help them make good, sound decisions.  And let me just tell you, with a soon-to-be teenage daughter, it is very trying at times!

The other day, it hit me.  This picture looks so much like our relationship with the Father.  He knows what is best for us, and He has every step of our life planned out completely.  So how is it that we end up OFF the beaten path? Because even as adults, we tend to act just like those hard-headed, stubbornly independent teenagers we once were.  When things are smooth-sailing, we take the reins and subconsciously tell God, “It’s ok, I’ve got this!” In the moment, we may feel like we know what is best for us, and we stop seeking God’s perfect will for our life.  Sometimes, we may just downright refuse to get in His will because we are uncomfortable, scared, or anxious.  But friends, what better place to be than in the divine and perfect will of the One who created us?? God will never lead us to a place where He will not also equip us for what lies ahead.  Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Sometimes, God may close a door that we just knew should swing wide open, and we have to trust that God sees the bigger picture.  I’ve learned over the years that if God says “no,” it’s usually because He is protecting me from something I cannot see, and He has something better for me ahead.  In all of our infinite wisdom, we tend to sometimes think we know how to plan our lives out perfectly.  Oh, but even on our good days, we don’t even come close to being able to orchestrate our lives in the way that God does.  When we choose our own free will over the path God has planned for us, we ultimately derail and will always miss out on the blessing God has for us.  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

When I was younger, I used to sing a southern gospel song in church called, “Keep Me In Your Will” by Jessica King. The chorus says, “Put me where you want to, not where I want to be. If I should ask for things I want, just give me what I need. When I complain from time to time, forgive me Lord, I pray. And keep me in your will, so I won’t be in Your way.” Today, let’s step aside and let God lead. Trust Him completely, and know that He never steers us wrong!