Though I did well enough in my math classes, math was not my favorite subject. Yet when I look up directions to a new location, one geometry ‘rule’ usually comes to mind: The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Makes perfect sense. I thought of it again just a few days ago when I used the map app on my phone to show me the best way to get to an appointment in an unfamiliar part of town. The app provided me three options – none of which was a straight line. One involved a toll (no thanks), one was shorter distance but longer time, and one was shorter time but longer distance. Which was the better choice? Did one have longer lights or more traffic compared to other? I wouldn’t know until I tried them. In the end, I took one option on the way and the other for my return. Both had pros and cons…and obstacles.
Obviously, some trips we take are familiar to us, and we don’t need assistance. We go to the grocery store, to a friend’s house, and to work without needing any extra help to get us there. But if you’re like me when you are traveling to a new destination, you use an app with a friendly voice that calmly tells you when to turn, reroutes you when you make a mistake, and notifies you of your ETA. It even provides a ‘heads up’ with the distance of the approaching turn as well as a satisfying ‘you have arrived at your destination.’ If only all our journeys in life were that easy!
When we do venture toward the unfamiliar or unknown, we welcome that extra help and support. When making impactful decisions or implementing significant changes, we don’t move forward without that guidance because we know we’d be lost without it. And that guidance comes with a caring and trustworthy voice if we are open to what it tells us. The Lord’s voice is consistent, it is faithful, and it is waiting for us to listen. As we continue to seek the correct turns on our journeys of faith, the Lord accompanies us. I admit I sometimes wish for the clarity, ease, and simplicity of a straight line. I’ve prayed that the journey becomes smoother at times, even for a little while. But more than that, I pray that I hear the Lord’s voice that guides and strengthens me, so I move forward in full trust and faith. When we are unsure or maybe even scared about what comes next, His voice will lead us to the better way. That way will likely have pros and cons and obstacles, and we will get ‘rerouted’ when we make a mistake or take a wrong turn, but we can be sure to find God’s grace in the guiding voice of love and mercy.
In all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths. (Prov 3:6)
Journeying to Grace 