Finding Your Way

Acts 17:28 NLT
"for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’"

"Not all who wander are lost." -JRR Tolkien
"He who hesitates is lost." -Traditional Danish Saying

When I was a small child I wanted to be a prophet. I was told that there were no prophets, but I didn't care. I wanted to be one. At the same young age I was told that was going to be a minister. Apparently the church of my youth had no problem declaring what God revealed, they just didn't like calling it prophecy.

Almost twenty years later, I am now preparing to move into full-time ministry and actively participate in prophesy in my church. God takes His time when establishing our lives. He is 100% invested in us and His plans for our lives were not taken lightly.

Jeremiah 10:23 NIV
"LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps."

The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the desert in order to discover their identity as God’s people. They were never lost except when they hesitated to enter the promised land. If you feel like you've been lost in the wilderness, God may be preparing your heart for battle. You can rest assured, though, that He has you in His hand and will see His word come to life in you.

Proverbs 20:24 NIV
"A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?"

So how do we know God's purpose in our lives? Prayer, prophecy and scripture are the guides recommended to us in the Bible. Let me recommend something. Look at where God has been directing your life by considering what He has done in your life over the past couple of years. Can you see a direction forming? Can you see that He has been preparing you for something?

There are many directions that are plainly given in scripture. By familiarizing yourself with the Word, and dedicating yourself to prayer, God becomes astronomically more accessible to you. Set yourself to living out the commands that He has for us. The rest of the plan He has your life will become evident when you are aligning your mind and actions to His way of doing things.

Proverbs 16:9 NIV
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

God has been directing your path, whether you realized it or not. Look at where you were two years ago and compare it to where you are today. What has God been doing in your life? Where has he been directing you? Have you been fighting His direction?

I am who I have been and the decisions I made were my own. I am also who I want to be and the decision to be that person is also my own. When I no longer to try live in opposition with my goals and my mistakes I will have learned to accept myself and will ultimately find myself when I recognize the direction my path has always been leading.

Don't worry if you feel like you've lost your way or if you feel totally lost. God knows exactly where you're going and exactly where you are. Trust Him.

Discussion points:

Consider where you were during this season two years ago. What has God done in your life? Have you been fighting with Him or living for Him?

It has been said that, so long as you keep moving, you are never truly lost. Do you agree or disagree with this? Why?

If we cannot understand our own way do not direct our own steps, what is the point of planning our course? How can you plan for success while seeking God's will for your life?

What does it look like to seek God's will and direction for your life? What examples can you share with others to encourage them to see God working in their lives?