Day 11 of 21 Days. Steps in the Right Direction. Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart devises his way: but the Lord directs his steps."
Obviously, if the Lord directs your steps, you know you are heading in the right direction. The issue is getting your heart to align with the will of the Lord.
Albert Einstein traveled by train quite a bit. During a trip from Princeton, the train's conductor came down the aisle punching tickets. Einstein reached into his vest pocket for the ticket but couldn't find it. He checked his pants pockets, then his briefcase but still couldn't find it. Then he checked the seat next to him, but no ticket. Seeing he was becoming a exasperated, the conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are, we all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket, so don’t worry about it.” and he continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was heading to the next car, the Conductor saw the great scientist on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. He rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket.” Einstein said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I am going.”
Isn't that amazing? Here you have one of the greatest minds of their time, who didn't know if he was heading in the right direction. No wonder the Bible teaches us to renew our minds (Roman's 12:1-2).
In this analogy, Einstein represents our thinking without Godly direction. When our efforts are comprised of steps toward God's agenda for people, communities, churches and our own well-being, we are heading in the right direction.
Steps in the right direction are those goals, dreams and plans that demonstrate the good, perfect and acceptable will of God. As you set your sight on achieving great things in the new year, evaluate how those efforts align with God's purpose for your life.
We know that physical human effort is only one part of the formula to success. Ask any personal trainer and he or she will tell you there has to be a change of heart, new focus and application of rules that lead to success. Yes, that's in the Bible too! Here it is in I Timothy 4:8, which says, "For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." So we can conclude, with confidence, that every step you take towards your 2020 goals should be balanced with Godly wisdom and understanding. As you seek His will, God will guide you, protect you, equip you and in your obedience, He will reward you.
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step (Naeem Callaway).”
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 KJV
Let's pray...
Father, today I yield all of my hopes, dreams and plans to You. Reveal the path that I must take to achieve success in 2020. I open my heart to the truth about myself. If I need correction, I yield. If I need to be equipped, I yield. If I need protection and guidance, I yield. Let Your voice be clear to me, showing me the steps I should take in every area of my life. Today, I trust You O Lord to set me on the right path and to point me in the right direction. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
~inspiring hope and seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean
P.S.: If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and want to be born again, pray this prayer aloud:
Lord God, forgive me for my sins. I ask Jesus to come into my heart. I make Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Amen.
WHAT'S NEXT:
Find a church home where the word of God is being taught and Jesus Christ is being lifted up. Study the bible. Love one another, serve, and lead.
Comments