The Path of LifeSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. When a man comes to Jesus, His blood washes him clean of his sins and makes him righteous. The Lord told Moses, "For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your trudging through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing" (Deuteronomy 2:7). "God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). So He will do the same for you also, as He did for all the people of Israel. He will see that you lack none of the necessities of life and grant you His bountiful gifts. He will keep you in perfect health.
I know an incident in the life of a man of God who was engaged in God's ministry all the time. Both his lungs had suddenly ceased functioning. He spent sleepless nights and agonizing days in great anguish. One day he cried with tears, "Lord, is this the end of my life?" On that day he had a vision in which he was walking a long distance. Abruptly the path ended and there was an abyss. Inside it, several frightful evil spirits were jumping upwards. As soon as they saw this man of God, they clamoured aloud, "Here comes the man who robbed us of so many souls that should have come to hell, and taken them to heaven." As he stood bewildered for a moment, a huge hand reached out from heaven. From behind there came a voice, "Climb up!" Happily he climbed upon it. The hand lifted and carried him until the valley was passed and set him safe on the other side. The path was seen again clear and bright. The same voice was heard again, "Do not look behind! Go ahead!" The vision was over. That day, the servant of God was miraculously restored to perfect health and he resumed his ministry for the Lord.
Dear friend, even if obstacles lie across your path, the gracious Lord Jesus will carry you in His hands. He who provided six hundred thousands of Israelites with His bounty will provide your needs as well. Even if your path is full of thorns, He will transform it for you as the King's highway.
"The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway." (Proverbs 15:19)
When a man comes to Jesus, His blood washes him clean of his sins and makes him righteous. Further, the trail of his daily life also becomes the King's highway.
When the Prime Minister of a country or the Governor of a state drives along a road, the policemen go ahead of him to keep the crowds off and keep the road clear and safe. Their path becomes the King's highway. So also will be your paths.
Dear friend, when you are washed by the blood of Jesus you are precious in His sight. According to the promise, "For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 52:12), He Himself will go ahead of you and shield you from behind.
Remember what devout David said, "You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip." (Psalm 18:36)
In the month of January snow envelops some cities in the United States of America. As roads are covered with snow, driving the car is most difficult then. The Government makes lorries carry common salt to be sprinkled over the snow-covered streets. At the touch of common salt, the snow melts and disappears. Roads are then made wider and safe for cars to drive. So also is God's grace! The Apostle Paul bemoaned, "A thorn in the flesh was given to me... concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in your weakness'."
The gracious Lord will walk ahead, removing any hurdles on the your highway according to His promise in Micah 2:13, "The one who breaks open will come up before them; They will break out, Pass through the gate, And go out by it; Their king will pass before them, With the Lord at their head."
His grace will melt any obstacles that block our way. It will widen our path and steady our feet. He will walk by our side and carry us at times. He will grant us all our needs and keep us safe in perfect health.
Prayer:
Gracious Loving Father,
Be with me in my life's journey. Please go before me and open a way for me. Turn all the crooked path into straight ones. Widen my path, Lord. When I go through the valley of tears, problems, and difficulties in my life, You carry me in Your hands so that I may be safe from the devil. Give me Your abundant grace. I make this humble prayer in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen. |