Blessings Along the Path

 

 

“God took one look at me,

and look what happened-

I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!”

Luke 1:46-19 (the Message)

 

These words were spoken by Mary after the angel appeared to her, telling her that she would be carrying the savior.

Sometimes the very thing God uses in our lives to bless not only you but others may not look like a blessing at all.  There were many reasons for Mary to feel anything but “fortunate”.  She was an unmarried, pregnant, teenager.  The situation she found herself in brought many difficulties… Explaining her pregnancy to her boyfriend and family.  The nasty looks, gossip, and ridicule from the community around her.  Yet, in the midst of what could have brought sure panic and fear to her soul, she CHOSE to see the blessing and obey God.  Not only did she see the blessing, but she also described herself as the “most fortunate woman on earth!”

I’m sure being an unwed mother was not the path Mary saw for her life.   There are inevitably times in our lives when the path we find before us is not the path we’d have chosen for ourselves.   And it’s definitely not a comfortable one.

This is where we face the decision to step out in faith, follow Him into unfamiliar places and trust and obey him. At times the path can be dark and dangerous, but I promise you that if you keep your eyes on Jesus, He will direct your steps.

“We can make plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”

~Proverbs 16:9

 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart;

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

And He will direct your path.”

~Proverbs 3:5-6

Through difficult times, if we keep our eyes in Jesus, He can lead us to blessings.

Regardless of how we find ourselves on the path, whether it is  because of the choices of others, paths we wandered onto ourselves, or paths we followed God down in obedience, determine to be the kind of person who is open, faithful and obedient so He can use you to do something amazing. 

Whatever the path you find yourself on, chose to walk day by day where His hand of blessing rests.  Sometimes, it is a daily choice to keep following Him in faith.  We must let go of the picture we have of what we think life is supposed to look like, the path we wanted to travel down.  You know that path with breathtaking scenery and scrumptious restaurants.  And trust that Jesus is there every step of the way…no matter how hard the steps may be to take. 

One thing I know for sure is that nothing I hold onto with human hands will ever compare to what God will place in my empty ones.   I simply have to trust.