What path are you following?

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An old Italian proverb says, “Destiny is determined not by chances but by choices.” Occasionally, in my quiet moments, I reflect on life’s journey. It is a journey that starts from somewhere and ends somewhere. At any time, one can tell how it started, but no one can tell how it will end. Only God knows. That is why He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Where you are today is as a result of the decisions and choices you have made. Each action you take leads you to somewhere, positive or negative, along your path in life. Good decisions, choices and actions will lead you to your expected end.

God wants to take you somewhere good and He will do it in a mysterious way. He may decide to create a storm to throw you away from one location to another one. If you keep long in your comfort zone and refuse to move to where God wants you to go, He can even cause a thunderstorm to disorganise you in that comfort zone. You might have experienced a storm in your workplace – the type of storm that caused your sack or compulsory resignation. Or maybe, the storm caused you to change the line of your business.

John 16:33 gives us comfort: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” People of God are overcomers like Jesus. Storms and tribulations only make them tougher, harder and better, like gold refined by fire.

One critical thing one should not miss is God's guidance at all times. Have you ever been directed by someone who does not know where you want to go? I have been misled a few times by ignorant persons who tried to help me find my way. They complicate your itinerary, instead of making it easier for you. But God is omniscient. He knows the end from the beginning and is waiting for us to ask Him for direction to our destination.

In Psalm 32:8, God promises, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” This guidance becomes critical when there are storms and important decisions or choices to make. It is therefore essential to seek His face before taking any step in any direction.

Sometimes we think that certain decisions are too easy to ask God for guidance. However, we know that a decision that appears insignificant can result in disastrous consequences. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (NIV).

Many people prefer to depend on the opinions of others in solving their problems, instead of seeking God's view. When faced with challenges in business, career, family or personal lives, we are sometimes worried about decisions and choices to make and the directions to go. We think that another human being has the answer and can solve our problems. We spend quality time seeking advice from counselors, consultants and so on. The truth however is that while these can help from the experience they have acquired, they cannot offer the knowledge they do not have.

Man's experience and knowledge are limited. Therefore, the solution does not lie with any man. In fact, God is not happy when we depend on these other sources for help without approaching Him. He is not ready to come to your help if you do not call on Him. Psalm 147:10-11 says, “He delighted not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”

Let us depend upon the promises of our faithful God. Through Prophet Isaiah, God promises, “I will bring the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them…” (Isaiah 42:16). It is only God that can take us through an unknown path. No amount of hassle can lead us through the right path. Our desperate efforts can only result in avoidable stress, worry and anxiety. We lose sleep and peace of mind and attract all manner of diseases because we carry unnecessary burden.

In this high-tech and information age, things are moving very fast. But there is need to slow down and think deeply, meditate and get direction from the only Person who knows the end from the beginning. Do you know that there are certain things He will disclose to you only when you are alone with Him? Why not give Him the opportunity of talking to you in your quiet and private moments? It is during such moments that He will direct your steps to lead you to your expected destiny.