When God Leaves Tracks in the Dust
Well, howdy there! Come on up here, friend, and set yourself down where that there breeze can find you. I’m mighty glad you wandered up the path today. Sometimes tryin’ to figure out what God wants us to do can leave us more puzzled than a guinea hen starin’ at its reflection in a rain barrel. We pray, ponder, listen, and before long we’re inspectin’ every little circumstance like a possum studyin’ a porch light for hidden instructions.
Gideon plum understood that kind of uncertainty. God had called him to deliver Israel, but Gideon couldn’t hardly picture himself leadin’ anybody anywhere. So, he asked God to confirm His promise with a fleece. In Judges 6:36-38, God graciously used the mornin’ dew to reassure Gideon that His word could be trusted.
Now, friend, that don’t mean every missed turn, dropped biscuit, or lil’ ol’ woodpecker hammerin’ on the barn siding is heaven sendin’ you a coded message. Circumstances have to be weighed alongside Scripture, prayer, godly wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” God ain’t stingy with wisdom. He gives it to folks that come askin’.
Sometimes, though, God plum uses circumstances to redirect us. Jonah ran from God and wound up in a storm and inside a great big fish in Jonah 1:1-17. Philip listened when the Spirit told him to approach an Ethiopian official in Acts 8:26-40, and one obedient step turned into somebody hearin’ the Gospel.
That’s why Isaiah 30:21 says, “This is the way, walk in it.” God can shut a gate, open a path, arrange a conversation, or make somethin’ suddenly clear. The important thing ain’t huntin’ signs like a lil’ ol’ sly fox checkin’’ through every hedgerow. It’s stayin’ close enough to God to recognize His leadin’.
Father, quiet my heart so I can hear You clearly. Give me wisdom to know when You are leadin’ through circumstances and when I simply need to wait. Help me trust Your Word, follow Your Spirit, and obey when You show me the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright now, friend, you best be gettin’ on down the road before that ol’ billy goat decides your porch chair looks edible. Don’t go readin’ divine instructions into every creek frog that hollers after supper. Stay close to the Shepherd and you won’t have to chase every rustlin’ bush for answers. When God makes the path plain, quit circlin’ it like a groundhog inspectin’ a new fence post and start walkin’. The safest place ain’t always where the road looks easiest. It’s wherever God says, “This is the way.”
With joy,
Gwen
