After navigating life’s highways for years you come to a place where the road divides and heads into two different directions. You are unsure which way to go so you consult Google Maps. One road looks shorter and wider, but it seems to go uphill. The other road is narrower and appears to be a bit rough in places. But Google Maps suggests the narrower road as the sure way to get to your destination. You decide to trust your instincts and choose the wide road. You notice a convenience store at the side of the road, so you go in to get all the supplies you think you will need for your trip.Ah, the choice is made and you have gathered supplies, so you head uphill. Soon you are caught in a storm and heavy rain. You don’t know what to do, so you keep charging uphill. The rain stops but is quickly followed by strong headwinds. Moving forward is hard and now you are sorry that you got all these supplies that are weighing you down. After the winds die down a heavy fog engulfs the road so that it is difficult to even see the road. Still you don’t know what else to do, so you keep trudging forward. Finally you see bright sunshine and can see clearly. Unfortunately you find that you have gone in circles and have made no progress uphill.
If you had taken the other road, you would have found that Google was right. The road is narrow and rocky at times. Just when you feel like you can’t keep going, some kind person comes and offers to carry your load and give you a shoulder to lean on. You go a bit farther and the road gets difficult once again. But again some kind person comes along to help you keep going. This happens time and time again. Then you notice that the kind person that comes to help you is the same person every time. You don’t know how he finds you each time but you are surely grateful that he does. He inspires you to try to become like him and help others who you find struggling along the way.
In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” People choose between two paths to God. Most choose the path of self-righteousness, where they trust in their own wisdom and goodness. It is a wide road with false promises and disastrous outcomes. This road will have you working hard, but getting no closer to Holy God. The other road is narrower and less traveled. Instead of self-righteous efforts, those who take this road trust in God’s righteousness and mercy. They face difficulties and struggles, but trust in the God who promised to carry their burdens. These people find mercy and grace to help in time of need. They know that the kind person who keeps showing up to help is God, Himself.
Choose the right path to God. Instead of consulting Google about where to go, try looking into God’s Word, the Bible, for trustworthy directions for finding God. He stands ready along the road to offer you mercy and grace to help.
Reluctant Retiree 