As Frost points out, we are often presented with two paths in life. At the crossroads we are faced with choices - two possible versions of our future mapped out ahead of us. Even though there are choices laid before us that would produce different endings, there are no guarantees of the consequences of those choices. We stand staring in both directions, bewildered. Sometimes even dumbfounded. But why? Shouldn't it be simple? After all, it's just a choice!
Well, when I was younger my toughest choices of the day were what to eat for breakfast and what to watch on T.V. However, as I grow older, my choices become more substantial, valuable, and consequential. This is mainly because my choices now greatly effect others. Now when I stand at the crossroads, it is a critical junction in not only my life's journey but the life's journey of many others! But, shouldn't it still be simple?
Sometimes these crossroads are easy to navigate because one choice is obviously the best. However, more times than not, the choices are equally enticing. Sometimes we find ourselves at an unexpected crossroads with more than one good opportunity from which to choose. If only we could see into the future - fast forward life, then rewind it again - the decision would be so much simpler then. But would it? And are these choices really equally beneficial for our life? If so, why do we continue to stand and stare at the paths instead of stepping out in FAITH??? Could it be that one of the choices takes us out of our comfort zone? But again, shouldn't it be simple? After all, it's just a choice!
Throughout life, this is often where I have needed the most growth. Faith...blind faith...Obedience.....living with abandon! Trusting my life to the one that created me! The very one that breathed life into me! Why would I stand and stare at the two paths? When all I have to do is consult the author of my story! Apart from Him there is no good things! He is our creator. He knows what He made us to be. I stand on the promise that He formed me in my mother's womb(Psalms 139:13) and that we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
I think God wants us to be willing to go out on a limb with Him. I think this excerpt from my current devotion says it best:
....If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest
place to be....Your desire to live close to Me is at odds
with your attempts to minimize risk. You are
approaching a CROSSROADS in your journey. In order
to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your
control and tendency to play it safe.......or Doubt
Me...
.....God can handle our doubts. He is big enough. But
we have got to quit pretending FAITH is easy. We fight
for FAITH and ask God to give it......
When we continue to stand and stare we are saying to God, "I don't trust you." or "I am doubting you." Life will move on without us. Standing and staring, making no choice equals rejection. Rejection of the Father and his perfect plan for our life. IT IS SIMPLY A CHOICE.... and we have the freedom to choose. God loves us and does not take away our ability to choose for ourselves. I do believe he yearns for us to seek him in our choices.......Jesus himself declares, "I am the way...". Yes, It's simply a choice..... one that should be laid at the Father's feet for a higher perspective view....prayerfully considered while quieting our hearts and listening for that still small voice!
So, aren't the choices we stand and stare at truly simple? They often become more confusing the longer we gaze upon them. When we immediately seek God and his wisdom, they ARE SIMPLE. We can trust our unknown future to a known God! Good endings come from prayerful beginnings! We just have to be willing to let go and receive what God has for us! Receive our lives instead of trying to Control them!!!
Jeremiah 6:16 says, So now the Lord says, "Stand at the crossroad and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls...." I believe the words "ancient path" refer not to the actual road or old times/traditions but to the FAITH of those times - Faith of Abraham, of Isaac, of Sarah, of Jacob .... I think it's best put as Stanly David James said, " We should pursue in our lives the LIVING FAITH of the dead, not DEAD FAITH of the living!"
So, in reality we should not stop and stare at the crossroads any longer than it takes us to put our FAITH in God and get in the passenger seat!! I believe the crossroads are times in our life when God wants us to say, ".....Lord, I'll go! Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)
