Choosing Your Path

"God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him."  Jim Elliot

Everybody takes their own path in life.  Some marry young and begin their families looking toward an empty nest in early midlife.  Some marry and wait many years to have children.  Some marry early with no intentions of every having children.  Some marry late.  Some do not marry at all.  Does one person have a right to determine how another person's life should be?  Of course not.  Each person follows a unique path.  If we are willing to listen to God's directions, He will head each of us down the right path.

This week in Sunday School we were discussing God's sovereignty and part of our scriptures came from Jeremiah 29.  Verse 11 was included in this study which says (and most are familiar with it):  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. KJV"  {Here it is for my NIV friends" 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.}

I was pondering on that later in the day and was thinking about how hard it is sometimes to let God fulfill His plans.  He will let us charge ahead if we choose to do so.  This led me to thinking how God does not have the same plans for everybody.  He distinctly said "toward YOU"  That is pretty personal---His place for each and every one of His children.  His plans for your path...and every plan must be different because each person has a particular role in God's work.

 It doesn't matter if we are young, old or somewhere in between for us to sometimes rush ahead, or even around, God's plans. If we will stop and listen---yes, I know we don't think we have time for this---we will hear His voice and He will guide us.  Your decisions, your choices, your PATH are strictly between you and God.  

So the next time someone asks you why you are single or why you haven't started a family or why you started so early etc.  remind them that God has the right path for you to follow.  Following His plan is always better than anything we could come up with on our own.  

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us each to see the need for Your guidance and direction in our lives.  Forgive us for being stubborn and wanting to have things our way.  Soften our hearts and minds so that every choice is based in You.  Thank you for preparing a path especially for each of us in this world so that we can better serve you.
In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen