The Bible says in, Psalm 37:23-24 (CSB) A person’s steps are established by the LORD, and he takes pleasure in his way. Psa 37:24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the LORD supports him with his hand. So then, God directs our steps, but He doesn’t force His will on us. Instead, He gently lifts us back up when we fall and tries to reestablish us in the right direction.
From my childhood’s religious way of thinking, I remember reading this verse several times and then thanking the Lord for the things, I was going through.
I said to myself, “If I am going through this thing right now. Then it must be because God wanted me to go through it, and it’s possibly for growth purposes in my life’s walk with Him.”
But is that true?
Does God really need to drag us through the muck and mire, in order to show His love to us?
Or could it be that while God is directing our steps, we sometimes get sidetracked and try to walk our own path; do our own thing, and go our own way?
Which then in return, ends up taking us places, where we should never have ever been in the first place? But hey, we are supposed to rejoice in all things, right? I mean, look at what Php 4:4-8 (CSB) says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Php 4:5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
Php 4:6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.
We can say concerning our thought process and it’s probably true to some extent, “God, You must have something for me to learn in this moment? Otherwise, I know I wouldn’t be here right now!” 🙂
However, if we are listening to God’s response properly, it is no doubt, probably something like this. “Yes, I wanted to prevent some of the headaches you are experiencing right now. However, know that I have never left you! I’m still here with my outstretched hand, ready to pick you back up and show you more of My love. All the while, leading and guiding you in the right direction for your life.”
The book of Jeremiah says it like this. Jer 29:11 (CSB) For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
My friends, God is a perfect gentleman. He does not demand us to go the way He wants us to go. Because, He gave us a free-will to make up our own minds and go our own way.
However, He will nudge us in the right direction. Talk to us through His Word, the Bible. Speak to us in His still small voice; direct us through dreams and visions. As well as, sending godly people across our path to help us avoid certain pitfalls and situations.
With all this being said, He is even with us in the pitfalls! Ready to help us at a moment’s notice. Ready to reach down with His hand and pick us back up.
From our verse in Jeremiah, we see God has a plan, a direction, and a promise for us. But not very many times have I ever heard the next few scriptures in this chapter even being mentioned with their promises.
I think it’s because this scriptural setting is actually dealing with Israel during their 70 years of captivity (because of disobedience) and we like to quote this highlight in God’s promise to them.
But my friends, if it’s in the Word of God, it’s there for us to learn by their mistakes. While speaking any of their blessings over ourselves. So, we can live a victorious life in the Lord, by holding on to His hand.
So, let’s look at the next set of verses in this chapter, now. Remember, if we can stand on the promise of Jer. 29:11, and we should. Then we can stand on these other promises, as well.
Jer 29:12-14 (CSB) You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jer 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.
Jer 29:14 I will be found by you” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you” — this is the LORD’s declaration. “I will restore you to the place from which I deported you.”
Oh Hallelujah! This is Good News, my friends! God says, “If you come to Me in prayer – I will listen to you!
If you seek Him – He will be found!
Also, He will restore things and/or fortunes to you, which you may – have never even known were yours in the first place!
Oh, what an awesome God we serve!
So, If God directs our steps, then why are we faced with different troubles and trials at times?
If may be because of our own making, as we have just seen. Or it could be because of our adversary, the devil, is trying to knock us off course.
Either way, we just have to reach back up and grab a hold of our dear Saviors hand, for He NEVER left our side. 🙂
#Jesus #Healing #Savior #Helper #Plan #Peace #GoodNews #Prosper #Restore #Fortunes #Seek #Find #Steps #Direction #DirectionForMyLife
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