How God Shows Us the Path We Can’t See
ABBY MCDONALD
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“He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas; he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.” Psalm 78:15-16 (NIV)
I was lost again, driving in circles in our new town for the hundredth time. My phone’s GPS was just as confused as I was. When I consulted it for directions, my location didn’t even appear on the map.
After trying to reroute, I called my husband to ask for help. He had worked in the area for several months before we purchased a home there and was familiar with parts of town I hadn’t explored.
Later that week, he encouraged me to learn several routes to get to the same place. That way, I would know multiple ways to get home, even when I was detoured or my GPS failed. But for years, I didn’t follow his advice. I knew one route to my destination, and if I couldn't take that route, I was completely disoriented.
Sometimes this same type of thinking overtakes my spiritual life. I have a specific need or request in mind, and I map out the steps to fulfill the need. But because life and God do not adhere to my well-laid-out plans, I often encounter a detour.
My obsession with getting from point A to point B keeps me from seeing there are multiple ways God can provide what I need. We serve a God who creates roads unknown to any GPS, but my limited vision keeps my eyes locked on my way.
In Psalm 78, Asaph recounts countless miracles God performed after delivering Israel from Egypt. He used the most unlikely circumstances to show His power and created a way in one impossible situation after another:
“He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them water as abundant as the seas; he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers” (Psalm 78:15-16).
But even though the Israelites repeatedly witnessed God’s miraculous power, they wandered in the desert for 40 years. Like me, they roamed in circles. And when they finally got to the promised land, they sent spies to scout it and were fearful of entering because of the army they would face. (Numbers 13-14) Instead of remembering their God who makes a way, they only saw the opposition.
How do we remember we serve a God of limitless possibilities? When we only see one solution to our problem, how do we shift our focus toward the God of infinite vision?
Honest confession. When we tell Him how we’re feeling and what our hang-ups are, He often answers in ways we can’t comprehend.
Following the outline of many of the psalms, my prayers go something like this:
- An honest admission to God about what I’m feeling.
- A call for God to open my eyes to the truth.
- A recognition of God’s unfailing love.
- A decision to praise God despite the roadblock I’m facing.
Here’s the miracle: When I practice this in my daily life, God opens my eyes and shows me the path I can’t see on my own. My admission of my lack shows me new possibilities in Him.
God won’t leave us stuck when we come to Him with an honest plea for guidance. He longs to be our Guide. And when we come to Him, He just might show us a path we’ve never seen before, overflowing with hope and opportunity.
God, thank You that Your vision is not limited by our hang-ups and stubbornness. When we only see one way out of our struggle, help us to shift our focus toward You and Your infinite wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
No matter what sort of relational dynamics you encounter with those around you, we all could use a little help navigating how to have healthier relationships. That’s why for Proverbs 31’s Online Bible Study of Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst, we wanted to invite her personal, licensed counselor, Jim Cress to answer your questions. Counselor’s Corner is almost like you’re in a counseling session with Jim. In this video Jim will walk through simple steps to look at your own past so you can better understand yourself and start your journey toward healing today. Click here to watch now!
Abby McDonald’s book Shift: Changing Our Focus to See the Presence of God offers more insights into how a simple shift in perspective can allow the peace of God to reign in our lives. Pick up your copy here!
ENGAGE
If you’re looking for direction and traveling companions along the road of life, join us in the “Encouragement for Today Devotions Community” group on Facebook! We love to pray for each other and post scriptures along with encouraging biblical Truth. We can’t wait to meet you!
Are there areas of your life where you can’t seem to find breakthrough? Visit Abby’s website to take the “5 Days to Life Unstuck” Challenge. You can also connect with Abby on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (NIV)
Has there ever been a time when you only saw one solution to a struggle you were facing, but God showed you a solution you didn’t foresee? Tell us about it in the comments.
© 2023 by Abby McDonald. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
