I am a visual person. Often in prayer, I will get images that are impressed upon me by the Holy Spirit. As I silence my heart and wait upon the Lord for revelation, I have no expectation for what the Lord will do; I ask Him to speak. These ‘prayer’ pictures are guides to help me understand the nature of what someone is going through and what God wants to do in their lives.
I preface this because I want to describe an image for you. Yes, for you! This prayer picture kept coming to me repeatedly, and I know it was meant to be shared as a statement of hope in the midst of uncertainty.
Here’s what I see….
I see a dirt path surrounded by lush trees. The warm sun shining through the greenery as a cool breeze gently shakes the leaves. No one is around; there is peace in the quiet surroundings. The beauty of nature captures the senses and leaves a stillness inside that does not want to be interrupted.
Up ahead, the path begins to turn slowly. You realize that the windy path means you cannot see what is beyond where you currently stand. You have never traveled this path before and do not know what is ahead. Inside there is a nudging – a tugging with a sense of excitement that inspires you to move forward. Although you do not see what is around the bend, you cannot wait to find out. The best is yet to come.
A few points I’d like to highlight from this image:
1. YOU ARE ON A SPECIFIC PATH
As a follower of Christ, He has purposes for you regarding the Kingdom of God. Jesus died for you and has specific plans just for you! This includes all areas of your life – your relationships, spiritual gifts, conversations, and time. Since you are uniquely made in His image (Psalm 139:113-14), you have a distinct path, unlike anyone else. Therefore, there’s no need to compare to what others have or where they are at in life… do not give in to the temptation of comparison! There’s a path exclusive to you by God, and that’s for you to follow, not anyone else.
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”– Acts 2:28
2. THERE IS PEACE
What a crazy year it has been! Even through these turbulent times – personally and the world at large – you can trust that the Lord is with you. For those who do not know Christ as Savior, they cannot have the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Yet you can! Do not try to ‘muster up’ the strength on your own, but give it to the Comforter – the Helper – who is within you (John 14:26). You can give the Lord your burdens to lighten your load for the journey (Psalm 55:22). He cares not only about your destination but where you currently are on the path.
“He restores my soul; He guides me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3
“The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.” – Isaiah 59:8
3. YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT!
Thankfully, we serve a God who knows the beginning from the end. Therefore, He knows your future and the best path for you to take! Security in Christ is a comforting fact since you cannot see and know what is ahead. Instead of uncertainty in the unknown, there can be a sense of hope and trust that God has what is next.
What is around the bend? It is different for each one of us. It can be entering college or changing careers. The windy path could be overcoming family dynamics or dealing with the death of a loved one. The future could consist of reengaging with a Christian community. There are various possibilities, and one thing is certain – the Lord has your future in His hands.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
I encourage you this week to bring these 3 points to the Lord and see where He wants to speak to you regarding them. Is it identifying the unique pathway God has you on? Can it be allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with peace regarding everything that has taken place? Perhaps it is regarding the future, around the bend – what steps is God calling you to take, even if you cannot see its outcome yet? For you walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7) Trust in the Lord and see how He will establish your steps along the way. (Proverbs 4:26)
Have a blessed week!