Christian Writers Circle

He Points the Way

by Brenda D. Flowers

“Purpose provides power as I point the way.” What do these words mean? I asked the LORD as I reread the words I had penned in my journal.

There is no denying that God’s word is clear in declaring we each have been created for great purpose. . .  to glorify God.
Everyone who is called by My name,

            Whom I have created for My glory; I have

            formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV)

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. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
During my journey as a Christian, there have been several junction points when I have asked God questions as to why He created me or what my purpose was for being alive. There have been dark lonely periods in my life when God has seemed distant or uncaring; often He has remained quiet as I have searched.

After years of seeking a closer walk with Jesus, I have matured in the revelation that at those dark times when I didn’t hear the Lord,   I had often been praying selfish prayers. I had not been seeking God’s will or purpose, but had been striving to get God’s approval for what I thought was my purpose.

In my early walk, I was striving to get God’s approval of the steps I was taking. I often thought I was walking according to His plan. Yet, in reality, I was not. Instead, I was walking in a way not much different from those who had not asked Jesus to be their Savior. Trying to fit into the ways of the world, I walked according to my flesh, my emotions and my own thoughts, often experiencing fear and little life or joy.
One weekday in July, a friend and I were hiking along a trail in a newly established forested park. The trails were not yet marked well and when we came to a point where there was a three way juncture, we were confused as to which way to go. One path quickly came to an ugly dead end. The wide, heavily trodden path seemed to be the best way. Yet, the steep rocky path actually led to the intended destination and along the way also led to a glorious overlook.
God loves us so much He gives us many warnings, saying not to be tempted to go our own way which may seem to be the easier way.

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:13 (NKJV)

Lean not to your own way.  1 John 2:1 (NKJV)

When walking with my friend on the wooded path, I kept looking for the colored marks on wooden posts to make sure we were on the right trail. The more I read the Bible and search God’s truths I realize how simply and clearly God has marked the path to maturity, leading us to His purpose for our lives and to a perfect destination.
God has blazed the way to salvation and sanctification with red marks, the marks of Jesus’ blood. Jesus willingly died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice so all mankind could and can be restored to a right relationship with God the Father. Through, Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are justified to be a dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. As we die to our flesh and fully trust Christ as Savior and Lord, we are filled with His power to accomplish His will for our lives. Our journey is to become more and more like Jesus.

Good and upright is the LORD;

Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

The humble He guides in justice,

And the humble He teaches His way. Psalm 25 8-9

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6