Turning Aside?

This path was once maintained and easy to walk, but as you can see, it has now been overtaken by plants, weeds, and fallen trees. What once was easy and free of obstruction is now a challenge to get through. Looking at this path’s entrance, it’s pretty easy to see things that could hinder my walk along the way.

It’s not always easy to see things that get in the way on our walk with Christ. It starts off a bit narrow, but it’s pretty clear, fresh, and new.

But then…life can pull us away from the path God has us on. We find ourselves on a path that looks broad and clear. It’s enticing. Here’s where we step onto the path of “self” with very dangerous, very hidden obstructions that Jesus warns us of in Matt. 7:13 NIV: 

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”

Go back to the path that Jesus led you to. Put on your hiking boots of peace, roll up your spiritual sleeves, sweat a bit, step through some muck, and see God move in miraculous ways, in your life and in others.

“My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” (Job 23:11 NIV)

Oh…and “count it all joy!!!” (James 1:2a NIV)