Paths we have never known

[toad]

“Grain by grain a loaf, stone by stone, a castle.”
Yugoslavian proverb on patience

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them.
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
And I will not leave them undone.
ISAIAH 42:16 NASB

The prophet Isaiah told the nation of Israel that because of their spiritual blindness they would suffer being prisoners and captives of another nation, the nation of Babylon. Isaiah also gave a message of deliverance to the nation of Israel, that God would bring them back home after their captivity, and have them led a new way, “paths they do not know.” How could the nation of Israel, who prospered because of their dependence upon God for centuries, and having lived in the presence and glory of God, choose to go a different direction from the way God had directed them? How could God allow them to slide off into darkness? The second question is easy to answer, God will let us choose any direction we want to travel. What a freedom we have spiritually to make our own decisions. Of course many bad decisions lead us into painful experiences and even death, but we are free to choose which way we want to go. The other question I ask myself, how could Israel walk away from blessings and prosperity? This is not so easy to answer. I think of the old saying, “all that glitters is not gold.” Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but that is only because that is where the septic tank and the sewage are drained. I am learning that because other people look like they are having fun, look like they are doing the right thing, and try and get me to join in, does not mean that it is the right thing to do. Reading this Scripture today lets me see how my life in some ways has paralleled the experiences of Israel. I too was blessed by receiving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit into my life, and was set free from my self-centered addictive and criminal behaviors. But within a few years I made the decision to revert back to my old ways diving deeper and deeper into the darkness of self-gratification. How could I walk away from the freedom and blessings into a life of failure and bondage? I could because I could, I had the freedom to choose my direction and become blind if I wanted to. It is so awesome how a little bitty light can expel such great darkness. Like a single match lit in an pitch-black auditorium, it can be seen everywhere. At my darkest point little flickers of light were brought into my life. I am ever so grateful. Today a loving God guides me on paths I have never known, darkness has turned into light right before me, and rugged places in my life have been made smooth. God has done for me what I could not do for myself.

“The real question is whether we can learn anything from our experiences upon which we may grow and help others to grow in the likeness and image of God.” (Bill Wilson)

Bill W. puts the icing on the cake today, “grow and help others to grow in the likeness and image of God." God will light and show us the way, but we must help others also as we travel paths we have never known. Thanks for letting me share……………..JRE

[best]

My thoughts today and the posting you put match up in so many ways.
In thought and prayer I was thinking it would be nice if the Lord would fast track my learning and let me know what is ahead for me. Maybe give me a clear vision of what is to be? I came to an understanding in my thoughts that I need not rush things and that the Lord's timing holds perfection.

“Grain by grain a loaf, stone by stone, a castle.”
Yugoslavian proverb on patience

Yes patience is something I need remember.

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know,
In paths they do not know I will guide them.
I will make darkness into light before them
And rugged places into plains.
These are the things I will do,
And I will not leave them undone.
ISAIAH 42:16 NASB

I can be stubborn and pigheaded at times and God knows me better then I know myself. He may lead me in areas I don't like but as it says in Jeremiah..."plans to prosper me, not harm me"

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

Jesus shines a lamp under my feet and I need stop trying to look ahead and expect him to shine a beacon to the future.

[cmc]

best:
"In thought and prayer I was thinking it would be nice if the Lord would fast track my learning and let me know what is ahead for me. Maybe give me a clear vision of what is to be? I came to an understanding in my thoughts that I need not rush things and that the Lord's timing holds perfection."


My thoughts exactly, and toad this is a good thread! We can match up so many times in our lives in comparison to the nation of Israel---
I thought I was too old to be waiting for finding my new purpose in life.... well.... it's been over 4 years now and I am still waiting. Just like wandering in a desert.
Like them- I have had everything that I needed. Not working- we have been blessed with finances to take care of our bills and even to save. Who'd have thought it would be this way? Funny how He provides- I feel more comfortable financially ( I'm not rich- I do garage sales and thrift stores still)- even more so than when I was working and my hubby had 2 jobs! God is good.

The very first thought I had when I read what toad and best shared was what the master ( small 'm') said to the Kung Fu guy: "patience, grasshopper"
it's a virtue that is hard to come by-
cmc