Dec 6, 2025 – The Path
For a while now, I’ve been praying and asking God about whether I need to get a job to help with our household expenses. We are doing fine; I think this just has a lot to do with losing my focus (job of sorts) of caring for my father. When we don’t know (or we don’t hear a clear answer), we are supposed to keep doing what we’re doing and trusting that God will make things more clear by opening and closing doors to lead us where He wants us to go.
I’m wondering if something like that happened for me last Thursday when a new opportunity came across my radar that I was excited about, but also a little nervous to pursue because of how it would change the status quo around here. Sometimes that’s the whole purpose of change! I allowed myself to be distracted by all of the football games yesterday; so, at the end of the day, I sat down with God, my journal, and my devotion book friends to glean some guidance on this subject.
The first friend to speak up was Cowman in Streams, but I’m not sure if it’s her voice or Thomas DeWitt Talmage who is talking about end times – IN 1925! This book was written 100 years ago and the writings Cowman uses are mostly all even older than that! Every era thinks they have all the makings of right conditions for the return of Christ and yet here we still are. We should indeed live as if the time is near, but we should also be prepared to keep living if the time is not now – which is partly why, as retirement years are no longer in the distant future, I’m asking if I’m doing all that I should be doing to participate in my own keeping.
Power – “Our minds need to be renewed according to the new lives God has given us.” I know this devotion is about faith and new life in Christ — but could it also be about this new path of work?
JC – “Stay ever so close to Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you.” Hmmm – the path. Are we talking about the same path here, Lord? Give me ears to hear and don’t let me make my own way down the wrong one. “Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion. This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire most – their hearts.” Indeed, that is why I have been (mostly) patient in this quiet season and have enjoyed the rest You have given me. You have my heart and my time, Lord. I don’t want to misstep, but I don’t want to “rest” when You are leading me to other endeavors. Please guide me! I want Your Presence and Power in my life.
Prevail 340 – 1 Peter 4:10 – “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” I really want to share this whole devotion today because it speaks so well to what I’m questioning and feeling. Larson starts with, “When God gave me the desire to work in radio [and perhaps me in this new field that I’ve learned about], a number of people told me that it would kill my ‘career’ as a writer. First of all, I see what I do as more of a ministry than a career. And 2nd, I follow the peace of God even when it makes no sense to me.” Radio, and what I’m considering, are not what would initially be considered ministry opportunities, especially when she made the move; but, radio has become such a huge way of sharing the Good News and ministering to people who might not be exposed to the message of Salvation even in subtle ways (which may be the basis for this opportunity I may step into).
She continues, “Surprisingly, I became a better writer once I started my work in radio. It’s important not to limit yourself by thinking only one way about your gifts. God is creative and loves to provide ample opportunity for you to thrive in your gifting.” I’ve so enjoyed diving (maybe tip-toeing) into this blogging world, but perhaps God IS leading me to what is next that will enhance this season of self and faith expression. I’m buckled in and ready for the ride on this path with You, Lord!
