“One Toe In (Part 3): Can We Count On Our Guide?”

     So, let's continue using our story “One Toe In” to further discuss the decisions we make when we reach obstacles in our journey. Here's a brief recap:
     You're heading towards a beautiful destination but are unsure how to get there. You were granted a guide to lead the way. You and your guide along with another traveler and guide approach a roaring river. Your guide asks for your trust and tells you to cross at Point You while the other traveler and guide head down to a seemingly easier and faster route at Point Them. You decide to test the waters at Point You and you immediately stub the one toe that you stuck in the water.

Jesus is our guide whether we accept his direction or just ignore Him.

Click here to enjoy "The Exception" in its entirety.

     Last week, we talked about choice and perseverance concluding that perseverance is a choice that we make. One thing that might effect our choice in this situation is the guide. We've already expressed disbelief in our guide when the guide told us to cross at Point You instead of Point Them. We were even more doubtful of our guide when our testing of the water led to a stubbed toe.
     Do we continue to follow our guide's advice or do we assume that the guide is wrong because of the rough start to our journey? What about this mysterious guide you wonder? You've already supposed that like in real life, Jesus is our guide. He is our guide whether we accept his direction or just ignore Him. He is there whether we acknowledge Him and his life expertise or not.
     Don't forget that before we stuck our toe in the water, Jesus told us to trust Him. Why would we then test the water instead of just getting in? It is hard sometimes to leap without looking but remember that without faith, it is impossible to please God. This means there are times we must trust His vision even when we don't see what He sees. We have to learn to always walk by faith and not by sight.

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Our trust in Jesus depends greatly on how well we know Him.

     Have you accepted His guidance? I know that I say I have but there are plenty of times when my actions do not reflect that. I hear Him telling me something but because it doesn't line up with my five physical senses or with my past experiences, I don't listen. I disregard His word and choose to proceed with my limited human understanding and vision.
     Our trust in Jesus depends greatly on how well we know Him. If we look back on our lives and think about what He has done for us, the trust is easier. When we look back on our lives focusing only on the bad things we have gone through, then it will be harder for us to trust. Trust is not developed overnight. It takes time and patience. Fortunately for us, we have a faithful God who with mercy and grace, gives us a time to get to know Him.

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Also remember that we were never promised perfect lives.

     Also remember that we were never promised perfect lives. We were, however, promised God's presence in our lives and His help when we approach obstacles. Jesus, an innocent man, was crucified on the cross. We as humans, are not always so innocent. Knowing this, we should be patient and committed to overcoming obstacles, including the stubbing of one toe.
     I pray that each one of us when faced with obstacles, will make the choice to follow Jesus and proceed towards our desired destination. If we are true believers, then what's on the other side of that river is worth a little pain to get there. So keep striving brothers and sisters. Trust Jesus as your Guide, tend to that stubbed toe and keep it moving.