The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

Psalms 32:8 NLT

I’m more of a “go for it” guy instead of a “guide me” guy.  

Years ago, we went whitewater rafting in Colorado.  Our guide was very specific in teaching us how to approach certain rapids, currents and eddies.  He cautioned us to walk with him down to “put-in” at just the right spot.  He also stressed the importance of working with him, trusting him and depending on his expertise.  And, he was emphatic about waiting for his instructions.  He knew the river . . . and we didn’t.  Needless to say, I really got wet that day . . . more so than needed.  

In His care and compassion, God directs us each and every day.  He knows our yesterday, today and our tomorrow . . . and, He wants to guide us in His grace.

Walk With Him.

God waits for us to walk with Him . . . to invite Him into our schedule, to listen to His insight and to trust His guiding.  The prophet Isaiah told the weary and wayward nation of Israel of God’s willingness to walk with them.  He wrote, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Is 30:21 ESV)  We can walk our own path in our our own power and with our own perceptions . . . or we can purposely walk on God’s path.  Young provided insight in our walking with God, “One way is to moan and groan, stumbling along with shuffling feet. This will get you to the end of the day eventually, but there is a better way. You can choose to walk with [God] along the path of peace, leaning on [Him] as much as you need. There will still be difficulties along the way, but you can face them confidently in [His] strength.”

Work With Him.  

This excursion with God requires an effort.  Paul reminded the Christ followers in Philippi, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12-13 ESV)  A. A. Conrad wrote regarding God, “He sees the perils that are in our path that we cannot see. He speaks to us in mercy and grace and He builds us up to meet the dangers and be prepared to receive the things we could not wisely use today.”  We do the hard work of surrendering and He does the holy work of sanctifying. Don’t forget . . . it’s work and it’s worth it.

Wait On Him.  

Many of us hate giving up control and patiently waiting for God to do something.  It may be in our finances, friendships or your future . . . we just want Him to work . . . and to do it now!  Henri Nouwen wrote, “One of the most arduous spritual tasks is that of giving up control and allowing the Spirit of God to lead our lives.”  Peterson, in The Message, reminded of Isaiah’s insight, “God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.” (Is 40:28 MSG). He wrote, “But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” (Is 40:31 MSG). Worn out . . . wait on Him.  Weary . . . wait on Him.  Weak . . . wait on Him.  

Skip Moen noted, “God does not come to us in nicely defined, rationally explained, thought categories.  God does not fit Himself into our theological text books. The Hebrew God breaks all the rules.  He is near, yet transcendent; clothed in human form, yet holy; more terrifying than can be imagined, yet compassionate; invisible, yet revealed; judging, yet merciful; sovereign, yet humble.  No matter where you look, God breaks the molds.”

Today, some will face rough and raging waters.  Walk with Him.  Allow Him to do His great work.  And, wait for His timing.

God may just be breaking the molds.