My common prayer is, “Lord, please just show me the way.”
Normally, the risk-taker in me would just go for it, taking the unpaved road, leading me straight out to a bluff, hanging over the edge of the ocean with camera in hand.
Not so much right now while navigating through a pandemic. There are more lives to consider.
Over the past several months, a team of us took a leap of faith, planning a fall women’s retreat which was canceled last year due to county lockdowns. Here we were again; everything was a go until health guidelines tightened. So many questions flooded my mind. Is it too risky? Should we make the financial adjustments? Do we cancel the event for the second year in a row? I found myself standing at this directional sign with no clear direction pointing the way.
Ruth found herself in a similar place. After losing her husband, where was she to go? The Bible shows her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.” (Ruth 1:16 AMP) I admire Ruth’s courage and unwavering allegiance to not only Naomi, but to God. It was as if in God’s pursuit of Ruth, she was so drawn to Him, she knew she must remain close to Naomi. I imagine she heard a word behind her pointing her in the right direction, step by step.
There was great reward for Ruth as she sought refuge in God and followed Naomi. For God had gone ahead of them with plans of a merciful providence. (Ruth 1:1-7)
As our team discussed the direction of the retreat, I realized it was God’s direction that mattered most. Leading this ministry is a calling. The women who have already registered need this retreat. God has already provided along the way. He wants us together in this season of isolation.
He established the theme “Abide in Christ” for our silent retreat. Abide is my one word for this year. He’s calling us to come and abide. A word of encouragement came from a friend, “God will work it out.” Minutes later, a song by the same name played on the radio.
And to think we nearly called the whole thing off. My mind recalled Isaiah 30:21 (Amplified), “Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.”
We can expect Jesus to steer us the right way. He is faithful to guide us. At times, the signs are clear. Other times require us to pay extra attention to the steps He has already purposed. We must listen for His voice. Like Ruth, if our desire is to move where the Lord is moving, we will experience His divine providence.
Our plans for the retreat nearly crumbled as we considered the risks. It took faith to put the brakes on and recount how God had already directed our steps. (Proverbs 16:9) We moved forward with God’s plan, knowing His provision and protection were with us.
If you are seeking direction in your life or for a particular circumstance, retrace the steps God has led you thus far. Your next step of faith will be one of promise, because His are footsteps worth following.
Believe. Belong. Be loved.
Cherie