Sometimes, the most difficult roads lead to the most beautiful destination. Anon
Hello friend and welcome back to another post.
Have you ever been a position where you thought you knew where you were going, only to realize later you didn't? Or what about a time you went through some difficult roads, but ended up in a beautiful place?
The above questions have been sort of the story/theme of my life. So with transparency and some vulnerability, please allow me to share with you a post that I pray will challenge and inspire you.
Over the last year and a half, my husband and I have faced some of the most challenging times a couple could go through including grief and loss. On top of all that, we felt God was leading us to move to a completely different city.
To be honest with you, during the process, there were times I asked questions like the ones in last week’s post [https://www.gracetoinspire.com/post/hopeful-promises]And then, there were also times that I felt excited about what God was doing; because deep down I knew God was leading us.
Let me quickly insert this: sometimes, even with the knowledge and belief that God is leading us doesn’t mean that the road will be less difficult. Travelling down a difficult road is hard and will take a toll on you.
Moving to a different place (for my husband and me) meant getting acquainted with new surroundings and meeting new people. For an extrovert, this would've probably induced a happy reaction, but this is certainly not the case for an introvert like me.
Jeremiah 29:11 states: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” KJV
The English Standard Version (ESV) writes the same verse as “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Notice the words "thoughts" and "plans" and the outcomes "thoughts of peace" and "an expected end (future and hope)."
If you’re like me, there have probably been times you wanted to take a look at that plan. Perhaps even make a little tweak here and there (you know adjust things to your comfort level).
But friend, if only we could realize how much the Lord cares about us. If only we could realize the great things He has in store for us; and the outcome He has planned, our current fears and worries will fade into trust and assurance knowing He’s got our back.
Friend, if you are currently travelling, or about to travel down a difficult road, here are a couple things I want to remind you. 1. You will be out of your element
Honestly whenever I’m driving some place new, I always use the GPS and even with it, I still feel uncomfortable. The reason aside from the obvious ( driving through difficult road) is that I am out of my comfort zone and experiencing new terrain.
However, feeling out of your element isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it is only a reminder that you’ve stepped outside of your comfort zone. Now, once you calm down and realize that God will take you through, the difficult road doesn't seem so bad at all. 2. You will learn something new
While I believe growth can happen in your comfort zone, outside of it is where you will make bigger discoveries and experience the most growth. Every time I drive or go through a difficult road, I learn something new. Whether it’s discovering new landmark, or seeing the sunrise or sunset from a different perspective, there’s always something new with a difficult path.
The same is true about life. Every time you go through adversity, you gain new perspective; new insight, new knowledge. And if you allow the Lord to fulfill His plan, your destination will be better than the journey.
Conclusion
Friend, what different path are you facing today? Is it some sort of hardship or difficulty? Is it an unexpected loss? Is it an important decision? Whatever it is, please remember that the Lord has great plans for you and the outcome is positive.
I heard this somewhere several years back, but I'm unsure as to the author and it is that 'sometimes the most difficult roads leads to the most beautiful destination.'
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the reminder about my current situation. Despite the challenges, I know that you have a plan for my life. Help me to trust in you and wait patiently. Give me the strength to persevere through these difficult times so that I can get the destination you have planned for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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