Traveling in the Right Direction

Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Traveling in the Right Direction

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. (Psalms 25:4‭-‬5 NLT)

In 2021, God instructed me to leave Texas and move to a city in Florida 1400 miles away from everything and everyone that I was familiar with. Yes, I have been asked how did you know that it was God speaking to you. Because when His plan unfolded supernatural miracles happened that no human could accomplish. Still, I had to pray daily for the Holy Spirit to give me understanding and then obey His Divine Will.

The Holy Spirit revealed all of the steps of preparation for a trip that I would take alone. Although I would use a GPS, the Holy Spirit instructed me to print the directions. Thankfully, I obeyed because the rainy season was in full force during the 4 days that I traveled. There was no GPS signal during the torrential downpours. Many times, I had to drive through the storm, but I kept going—driving slowly with flashers on, eventually, I reached the clear and sunny skies in Florida.

Throughout the Psalms, David asked for God to show him the right path. And King Solomon, his son also tells us, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9).

Jeremiah’s Prayer: “LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23)

Throughout the Scriptures, God reminds us that our lives are not our own. Even so, Satan has introduced the false doctrine of presumption. Trending among Christian Believers is to make plans and present those plans to God. Many sermons include the premise of courageously stepping out in faith and God will bless your plans.

Presumption: Behavior perceived as arrogant, disrespectful, and transgressing the limits of what is permitted or appropriate.

What does God say about presumption? “And all the people shall hear and fear [reverence] and not act presumptuously again.” (Deuteronomy 17:13)

The estimated number of Israelites who God emancipated from Egyptian slavery was 600,000 plus. An eleven-day journey turned into 40 years due to irreverence, presumption, and abject disobedience. But even more disturbing, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam along with every person from the age of 20 and above died without receiving God’s promise. Exception: Joshua and Caleb entered Canaan.

“The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness…from twenty years old and above. Except for Caleb…and Joshua…you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in.” (Numbers 14:29-30)

Perform a spiritual self-evaluation: “Are there any decisions that I have made or thinking of making that God has not approved and blessed?” We can pray, study the Scriptures and attend church every week, yet, our attempts to satisfy our heart’s desires place us in rebellion against God. 

Prayer: God, please reveal any presumptuous sins that would keep us from receiving our reward of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15