Trampled Path

Life is not easy. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the circumstances of our lives that we did not ask for or expect that we would ever face, but somehow we find ourselves struggling to get through, or even to survive, hard situations that bog us down. It may be financial problems, health problems, marital problems, raising children in a degrading society, taking care of elderly parents, demanding jobs, etc. It is so easy for us to look at our trials and say "Why me?"

This poem speaks volumes:

"He chose this path for thee,
No feeble chance nor hard relentless fate,
But love, His love, hath placed my footsteps here.
He knew the way was rough and desolate,
Knew how the heart would often sink with fear,
Yet tenderly He whispers, "Child, I see
This path is best for thee."

The path we are now walking is not by chance or fate, but by God's sovereign, permissive will for us. Whether the circumstances are from our own bad choices, or are the result of something completely outside of our control, God has permitted it for a purpose. He wants us to discover His love that prompts all his actions and to know that out of His love for us He will work out the details if we but trust Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus did not have an easy path to walk in performing God's perfect will for Him on earth. When you get discouraged, remember this little thought:

"Your path is thorny and rough? Tramp it! You will find wherever you set your foot upon a thorn, Another Foot has been there before and taken off the sharpness."

If you allow Christ to lead the way and go before you and you follow His footsteps, your path through life will be so much smoother.

Happy walking!
Sandy