Seeking Direction: Wandering

Sunday, September 25, 2011 Posted by Debbie Legg

Even with my Bible road map, I still have trouble negotiating my journey. More often than I’d like to admit, I know I’m supposed to turn right, I just simply don’t want to. Other times I'd gladly hit the trail, only I’m not sure which path is meant for me.

What do I need to do to stop wandering and start moving forward?

Let’s start with the disobedience thing. Jonah took a ride inside a whale because of his disobedience. The Israelites “wandered in tears for 40 years” because of theirs. Both Jonah and Israel did finally make it to the destinations God originally intended, but they arrived much worse for wear. When Jonah got to Ninevah, he likely looked, and smelled, absolutely disgusting. As for the Israelites, only two of the entire nation aged 20 and over saw the Promised Land. The rest died in the desert.

If we’re wandering in our own desert, or gettin’ smelly in the belly of a whale, it’s very possible that we need to deal with some obedience issues. Not always, of course, but come on, if we are having one, deep down we know it. So confess it. Repent of it. Deal with it. Then move on. (Hmmm. I’m starting to sound a little like Joline. Cool.) :)

On the other hand, perhaps we are wandering out of sheer uncertainty. It’s difficult at times to distinguish God’s leading from our own desires, the world’s ideals and the enemy’s machinations. The not-knowing who exactly is guiding us can be paralyzing. We need a way to discern God's voice from all others.

In both instances, Romans 12:2 is a good “You Are Here” sign -- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

To Get Back On The Correct Path:

STEP 1 - Quit Following The World

STEP 2- Renew Your Mind in Christ

STEP 3 – Test and Know God’s Will

Okay? Okay! Let’s hit the road!