Proverbs 3:5-7 (KJV)- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Because God gave us free will, there are always choices. From the seemingly insignificant to the life-altering ones, we are free to choose which path we walk. I believe there are always at least two paths stretched before us. If we pray and are willing to listen to what God answers, we are able to choose the path He wishes for us. If we decide we’d like to walk our own way for a while and see what happens, He allows us to do that. I find in my life when I stray from walking the direction God wants me to, I end up at a brick wall and I have to turn around, trudge back to the diverging point, and get back on His path.

The path He lays before me is like a trail with emblazoned markers. It may be the hardest, most uphill, longest hike I’ve ever been on, but I know that I am heading the right direction because my prayer-markers tell me. When I go off on my own and leave the trail to chase a side-path, it’s more like following a meandering, barely visible rabbit path. I have no idea where it will lead me, but there could be a cliff at the end. Oftentimes it’s hard to find my way back to God’s trail.

Why is it that after all this time, after all the times God has shown me He is trustworthy, I still sometimes want to do things “my way”? Are all human beings as stubborn and bullheaded as I am?

I know without a shadow of a doubt going on this mission trip is hiking on God’s path for me. Yes, there’ve been fears and worries about leaving, but I have a “peace that passes all understanding.” This is His plan for me and I know there’s a reason, even if I can’t see it yet. I may not always understand the whys of where God leads, but I do know that I trust Him implicitly. I am willing to walk on the path He shows me and, because He loves me and wants what’s best for me, I can be assured His path will lead somewhere good. I don’t have that reassurance when I step away from His plan and wander on my own.

This is my last stateside devotional! Next week’s blogs will be from planes, airports, hotels, and the Philippines. How exciting! I appreciate your prayers for safe travels, an open and obedient heart, and endurance. I am so excited about the children we will be teaching, the families we will be touching, and the lives we will see changed (including ours).