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 (NKJV)
Recently, I received an invitation to one of those milestone
birthday parties for a friend. However, my excitement regarding attending was
dampened by the fact that the party was to be held in a home in a new
subdivision of our city. I had never been there before, and my record for
finding places with which I am unfamiliar is not stellar.
On the day of the party, I looked at the map and saw that
all the streets were curved and winding around the perimeter of a lake. So I
drove very slowly looking for the three street names that would lead me to my
destination. It was then that I noticed all the beautiful homes in various
styles with park-like landscaping. I was tempted to explore their beauty, but
knowing how easy it is for me to get lost, I stuck to my path. I arrived at the
party a little bit late, where I found that three people were on the lookout
for me. With an abundance of teasing, I was welcomed inside.
Later as I was on my way home, I thought that this
experience had been a lesson in life's journey. Even in unknown territory, we
know the way that we should go: Jesus said that He is the way. He even gave us
directions: to follow Him. But life's pathway is often curved and winding.
Unexpectedly, we encounter new roads that promise beauty and adventure, and we
are so tempted to follow them. If we make that first wrong turn, we are lost.
What a blessing it is to know that the Lord Jesus is our
compass, our true north, and if we get lost, we can return to Him. He will be
on the lookout for us, and He will welcome us back into the fold.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for the many words in Scripture
that guide us on our way each day. Help us to resist those enticing pathways
that lead us astray and separate us from You. Watch out for us, we pray, so
that one day, we, too, will be welcomed into our heavenly home. In Jesus' holy
name, we pray. Amen.
Judy Welch (reprinted from Presby Can devotional page)
