“Four Year Old Injured in Grand Canyon Fall”

The headline caught my attention. We had just returned from vacationing at the Grand Canyon. What had happened?

The article stated that the child had strayed from the main path, and fallen over a 450 foot cliff. Many injuries and deaths have occurred when visitors decide to leave paved paths and get a better vantage point.

I was stunned. We had walked the very same paths this child had. All the paths are clearly marked. And yet there are frequent injuries, and even deaths, when tourists wander off the designated path.

I’ve found that’s true in life also. I’m walking along a peaceful, clearly marked path. Suddenly, I realize I have veered way off course. How did that happen? How did I get on the wrong path?

Many times it’s a gradual thing. I take one small turn going the wrong way. Instead of turning back, I continue strolling down that path, believing I will end up at the right destination. After all, it’s too much trouble to back track. Again, I veer slightly off-path. The route may be indirect, but I will eventually get where I’m going, right?

Sometimes the wrong path is enticing. It’s a pretty path…wide, with a lot of shade and pretty flowers. Something catches my eye…it’s a beautiful flower growing wild! I am enticed by it’s beauty. I want to see more. What could possibly be wrong with going down this path? I stay on it…it becomes comfortable. Why would I turn around and correct myself? I like this path.

This beautiful path eventually becomes choked with thorns. I try very hard to push them back, so that I can find my way to the main path. Finally, the thorns thin out, but the path becomes rocky and hard.

I feel like I have been wandering in the wilderness for forty years! The path isn’t pretty or comfortable any more. I seem to be roaming aimlessly – never getting anywhere. Around and around I go. The beautiful path has turned into a dry, sandy, hot desert. No refreshing springs. No flowers. No shade. I can’t see – I am walking directly into the blinding sun.

 

Many times through the years, I have found myself wandering. How, oh how, can I stay on the right path?

The answer is in my hands. I am holding my Bible, God’s word. I love this book – God’s love letter to me! I sit on a rock, at the edge of the path and ponder the wisdom of His word.

I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
Proverbs 4:11-12 NLT

He will teach me the way of wisdom, and lead me in straight paths.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105

His word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light on my path. His word will always shine and show me the way! When I am struggling on a rocky or weed choked path, His word will illuminate every obstacle.

I. Will. Not. Stumble.

Father, I thank You for the gift of Your word. It is alive and powerful, even today. Especially today! Thank You Lord, for the comfort and counsel it gives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Linking up today with Tell Me a True Story, Jennifer Dukes Lee Tell His Story and Holly Gerth Coffee for Your Heart!

 

 

Photos by John Chauvin