In our quest to succeed and lead a joyous life, it is important to ask ourselves a very important question: Am I driven by flesh or led by the Spirit?

Every created being has a destiny.  We are known by God even before we become substance in our mother’s womb.  Every characteristic of our lives is recorded in God’s book before even one is fashioned.  His thoughts toward us are more in number than the sands of the seas.(Psalm 139:14-18)  Our lives have great purpose and value.  

What career path should I take?  Who should I marry?  Where should I live?  What church should I attend?  These are just a few of the decisive questions we face in life.  Would it not be beneficial to consult our Maker as we move forward into our future instead of freely making these decisions on our own? After all, who knows us best?  Who is more familiar with our talents, gifts, and calling than the One who created us?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”  This scripture provides peace to my often weary soul.  How comforting it is to know that I am not aimlessly wandering around in this world, left to decide my future alone.  I have a Creator who designed me.  He is intimately acquainted with me and my future because He destined my future and if I will acknowledge Him in my decision-making processes He will make the right path clear.  

Many would say, “God does not have time.  Neither does He care about such trivial decisions.  He has bigger and better things to take care of in the world.”  Left to our own limited human understanding, we are driven to make life decisions based on need, emotion and desire which can often be deceiving and lead us down a path of unfulfillment.   I have had many desires in life that after carefully seeking God’s will were determined to be unfruitful.  I am thankful for the guidance of the faithful Holy Spirit early in my life.  I look back now and see the many times I chose to trust His plan instead of my own and I have never been disappointed or led astray.  He has been and continues to be my Great Shepherd.

Several times in scripture we see Jesus being “led” by the Holy Spirit.  He knew His purpose.  He did not come to earth to fulfill His own plan, but the will of His Father.  Jesus Christ Himself submitted to the plan and purposes of God.  What makes us any different?  You and I are sojourners in this foreign land.  We are ambassadors and representatives of His great kingdom.  Romans 12:2 reminds us that our reasonable service is to offer our lives as living sacrifices unto God Almighty, surrendering freely our will and plan to His.  

At first, it may seem difficult to relinquish self-made plans and desires because the flesh loves being in control, but when we learn to trust that God has our best interest at heart we can accept that His plan is ultimately best for our lives anyway.  He knows you inside and out, from beginning to end.  Learn to acknowledge and trust Him with all of your decisions.  You will never be disappointed.  He is speaking to you today, “Lift your sail, child of God, and allow My Spirit to blow you any which way I choose.  Trust in My guidance, for I created you and I know the future.  I am able to lead you to the blessed life you have always dreamed of.”  You can live peacefully in uncharted territory when you learn to trust the captain of your sail.

Remember, the Lord IS your shepherd.  You shall not want.  He leads you beside still waters.  He leads you in paths of righteousness...Psalm 23

Much love and Blessings,

Jeneen