Excitedly the couples started their trek to the beach on the other side of the island. The scorching heat beat down on them as they strode along the path.

“Hey look,” pointed Ben. “There’s another path. This one’s too hot. I vote we take the one through the forest.”  “Of course, you do,” Susan replied rolling her eyes, “The hotel advised us to avoid the forest.” Ben threw up his hands, “Forget what they said, it’s hot. Let’s go.”  The coolness of the forest beckoning them, the couples followed Ben.

Under the trees, they paused to enjoy the refuge from the heat. But as they proceeded, things changed.  The cool relief became a penetrating chill. Although it was mid-afternoon, beneath the thick canopy of trees the sunlight disappeared.  The darkness enveloped them. Their bare skin was pierced by underbrush and bruised from tripping over fallen trees as they blindly walked on. Pungent smells and unsettling noises nearby heightened their anxiety and fears.

Finally, there was a sliver of light up ahead.

With hope they moved toward the light. As they exited the forest, relief washed over them at the sight of the snowy white sand, sparkling ocean and bright sunlight.  Thrilled to be out of the darkness, Jim voiced the thoughts of them all, “I never want to do that again! Going back, let’s stick to the right path!”

WHEN DO WE CHOSE OUR PATH?
EVERY DAY!

Where to go?  What to do?  What to spend, or not spend?
What to listen to? Which career?  Where to live?  Which relationships to foster?
Some choices make a big impact on our paths; others, not so much.

Our beach going couples chose the wrong path. But that only temporarily impacted them. In Acts chapter 13, Barnabas and Saul found the right path. A path which would impact not only them, but others as well.

HOW DID THEY KNOW THE RIGHT PATH?

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”  So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. Acts 13:2-3 NLT

HOW DO WE KNOW OUR RIGHT PATH?

FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF BARNABAS & SAUL;

1. GO TO THE SOURCE

God is our source. He is the only one who knows the right path for us. Like Barnabas & Saul, pray to find God’s path.

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 hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

2. GIVE IT OUR FULL ATTENTION

In addition to praying, Barnabas & Saul fasted. Fasting to find our path, gives God our full attention.

And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom, (Jesus), will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15

3. GET CONFIRMATION

Barnabas and Saul weren’t the only ones who heard from God. The Holy Spirit confirmed their path by revealing it to the entire group of men.

Without counsel, plans go awry,
but in the multitude of counselors, they are established. Proverbs 15:22

Whether we are on the right path or the wrong one,
obstacles and opposition may come.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

When obstacles or opposition heat up our path, another path may beckon to us.  Like the heat our beach going couples encountered on the right path enticed them to change paths. At first it seemed like they were headed on the right path, but as they continued, the darkness enveloped them.

When we head down the wrong path, eventually darkness will envelope us too. The wrong path becomes a place of constant pain and anxiety. We stumble, but not on fallen trees. Rather our faith stumbles on fear and doubt.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
CHANGE PATHS!

If we are on the wrong path, we can turn to our loving Lord. He will bring us out of darkness and with His light guide us to the right path.

You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29

WALKING THE RIGHT PATH DOESN’T MEAN

we will never be anxious
or
never doubt

WALKING THE RIGHT PATH DOES MEAN

we will receive
HOPE  –  ENCOURAGEMENT – OPPORTUNITIES
and
CONFIRMATION
as we look to Jesus

Even though Barnabas and Saul were on the right path, they ran into some hot opposition, (Acts 13:7-9, 45,50). But in faith, they kept to the path.

Along the way, the Lord provided encouragement and hope through opportunities and results. Their results started out small, with just one person believing in Jesus. But grew as many believed throughout the region, (Acts 13:12-49).

So, when we face obstacles or opposition on the right path, in faith keep to the path! Our loving Lord will give us hope, encouragement and opportunities along the way.  The opportunities may start out small, but they will come.

REFLECTION

Are you on the right path? If you are not sure, can you follow the steps to find out?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, as I write 2 Samuel 22:29 and say it aloud, help me to know and follow Your path for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

IN FAITH WE STAY ON GOD’S PATH,
EVEN WHEN IT’S HOT

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May your day be filled with love and laughter!

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Photo sun, Yves Bernardi, pixabay
Photo forest, Sebastian Unrau, unsplash
Photo child, Aurelie Luylier, pixabay
Photo rock climber, Sean Benesh, unsplash
Photo goat, Torsten Dederichs, unsplash