by Joanie Butman
Someone recommended a new path to explore in my area recently, and I was eager to try a new route. When she described the Atlantic Walk, I visualized something like the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island – a well-worn path walkers of all ages enjoy. What I ‘discovered’ was that she used the word ‘path’ very loosely. The meandering walk along the ocean cliffs I envisioned morphed into a ‘climbing’ exercise quickly. Initially, we had every intention of doing a roundtrip hike, but after about an hour we had to call home to initiate a rescue mission. When we finally reached an access back to the road, there were several options with no signs as to which was the most direct route. At this point, I desperately wanted the easiest, shortest trail to reach the designated pickup point. Being directionally challenged, I followed my daughter as she led us out.
This experience is much like the way many approach Christianity. When they begin their journey with Christ, it’s tempting to think life will get easier. Nothing could be further from the truth. Life is hard. There’s no way around that truth and no ‘easy’ path or ‘shortcut’ to spiritual enlightenment. My path didn’t become clearer or easier the closer I got to God – quite the opposite. Nevertheless, the manner in which I approached challenging obstacles did. The road didn’t change, I did.
The right path is always the one God is on, and He will travel any road to find you. While there are times you will feel lost, trust that He knows exactly where you are and will guide you forward. His is rarely the ‘easy’ path. If it were easy, you wouldn’t need Him. The journey is not so much about the terrain you traverse but who you travel with. Christ is my constant companion. In addition, fellowship with other Christians helps encourage and support me when I grow weary and discouraged. Just like I depended on my daughter to lead me back to the road, I have a group of Christian women who have done the same for me many times over the years, pointing me toward my Savior.
When we finally reached the rendezvous point, an air-conditioned car was a welcome sight. Our rescuer whisked us back to the ocean where we could cool off. My daughter, who ran six miles before our ‘walk’, eagerly jumped in the water to swim laps along the shore. My niece and I looked on in astonishment as we were sore and exhausted. Too often we are tempted to look at others’ energy and stamina with envy because what’s a challenge to us seems effortless for them.
Everyone has their own challenges. Comparing your journey to someone else’s is never a good idea. It will either leave you feeling discouraged or superior. God has a unique path He’s designed specifically for each of us. Be careful about letting your attention wander. While you’re busy watching someone else, you’ll likely stumble over a pebble in your own path. As Jesus instructed Peter in answer to his query about what would happen to John, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Christ invites each of us to follow our own path of His making. It’s our choice how we respond to His invitation. Choose wisely.