"My Lord, God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone." - Thomas Merton
I feel that this passage has profound revelation to the faith we are called to have. There are times that our paths on this journey seem vague and confusing with all the twists and turns. The trials that we face act as obstacles, do make us discouraged and allow us to be distracted by the mist of tears that come from frustrations. It is also during these times that our faith can appear to struggle. However, the truth is that the Lord Almighty is behind us completely. It is at these moments that He is guiding us along the path that He has created for us! He never asks us to do it alone or to be perfect like He is - He places in our hearts the moral compass to orient us to Him. That compass is the subtle desire to try and please Him. He recognizes our efforts and to Him this testifies our potential and makes us even more special to Him. Therefore, we can feel safe in trusting the Lord who loves us far beyond the confines of the world. I hope this has give you hope that no matter where we are headed, individually or the Body of Christ, that God has us in His might and worthy hands....leading us one step at a time.
Here are some questions that I challenge you to reflect on:
1. Where has your journey taken you thus far? How has God used the past experiences to help you grow in character and faith?
2. How do you place your faith in the Lord? What did God use to provide a beacon to guide you (like words of friends, verses from the Bible, etc.)?
