Everyday we are faced with many paths we can take. Which way is right?
Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a person, but eventually it ends in death."
There is a path that SEEMS right and IS right. There is a HUGE difference between these two things. I believe that for something to seem right, it will appeal to your five senses: what you can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. What IS right will appeal and be discerned by your spiritual senses.
What seems right is carnal, and what is right is God's way and His best for you. If you are depending on your five senses as your navigational tool, you're going to be limited and hindered. Notice the end of the path that seems right is death. Death can show up in many forms: financial calamity, sickness, disease, turmoil, chaos, job loss, relationships ruined, etc. We need God's guidance to help us avoid the pitfall of taking the path that 'seems' right. Thank God there is a path that is right, and we don't have to depend on our own ability and intellect to figure it out. He will help us.
What determines if a path is right? How can you know if the path you are travelling on is the right one? You will know the path based on the standard of God's Word. Furthermore, there are some things that may seem like the right thing to do, but may not be God's best or a part of His plan for you - this is why time in prayer is vital for you to discern the specifics of God's plan for your life.
Let's take walking in love and forgiveness as it pertains to what seems right and what is right.
Seems Right: It may seem right to hold a grudge and not forgive someone for the hurtful things they have done and said to you. Additionally, it will appeal to your flesh to share the hurt with others in such a way that they join in on your hurt and bitterness towards your offender.
Is Right: Your path must encompass love and forgiveness - Confess I Cor. 13:4-8 (Amplified, Classic Edition) over yourself every day and implement it in your life. Prayerfully consider seeking wise counsel that is Christian and Word-based if additional support is needed to move into a path of wholeness and peace.
Last month, I came across this powerful statement from Nancy Dufresne that really blessed me and falls in line with the paths in life.
“Faith is not just interested in His will. Faith is interested in His ways.”
I'm passionate about helping people discover God's destiny and purpose on their life. I'm also very interested in building character, faith, prayer, etc. through God's Word in the foundation of those who are pursuing His will. What good is it for us to pursue and arrive at destiny and purpose, and we are just as lost and broken as the people we are seeking to reach with the gospel of Christ to transform the seven mountains of society (i.e. family, religion, education, business, government, media, arts & entertainment). Let's get down the road in walking in His 'way' to fulfill His 'will.'
Here are some 'ways' outlined in the Word of God for some areas of our life to walk in the path that IS right. Train your spirit to walk in the paths outlined in the written Word so you can discern the specific path to fulfill God's individual plan and purpose on your life. As you read the following scriptures, they will help uncover any path you may be on that you may need to get off before it leads to utter ruin in your life - thank God for grace, mercy and forgiveness; however, it isn't God's will for us to suffer loss before we come to our senses. He loves you, let's walk in the light of His Word:
Words: Prov. 16;28; Prov. 18:6; Prov. 25:11; Prov. 8:6-8
Sexual Purity: I Cor. 6:18-20 (Amplified, Classic Edition)
Prayer: Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6-8; I John 5:14-15; John 16:23
Thought Life: II Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 4:8
Faith: Mark 11:20-26
Rest: Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:1-11
Unity & Peace: Prov. 26:17; Philippians 2:3; II Timothy 2:24-26
Excellence: Prov. 17:27 *Not an all inclusive list. Set aside daily time to study/meditate God's Word filled with His way of victory for you.
Thank God for His purpose, and let's arrive with character, faith and power! The world doesn't need more darkness, it needs light...the light of Jesus shining bright in you. He plans on using you as as a laborer to share His light. His path for you is a good one!