Nougat 2

As we journey with Jesus, do we genuinely have our destination in mind, or are we meandering along the way? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

‭John 14:4 NIV‬

[4] You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Do We Know The Way?

Years ago, my mom insisted that her godchild become clear on where she was going with others, regardless of their role in her life. She, my mom that is, believed that it offered a level of independence and confidence even if one was going to that place for the first time. In like manner, the action cartoon hero of the 80s and 90s, GI Joe, had the tagline, ‘knowing is half the battle.’ Although that does not entirely hold true, it is a good premise on which to begin a journey.

The issue for us in the literal, spiritual, short, and long-term is to discern where it is we wish to go, and whether *we know the way*. As simple as it seems, that first act of discernment is crucial. Whether it is or day’s plan, our career plan, or even what we wish to do for the vacation, having a clear sense of direction is key (Take it from me, I was a mistress at waffling). For when we know what we want, then it is a bit easier to figure out how to get there.

– Where do we want to go

Recently, I needed some information from ‘Uncle Google’. The issue was that I did not have a clear sense of what I needed from Uncle, so the solution was hard to find. I typed around for a bit, to no avail. When I paused, got clarity about what I needed to get done (i.e., where I was going), the rest of the plan was easier. God put it to Habakkuk this way, ‘write the vision, make it plain.’ Yes, the context was somewhat different, but the principle remains the same.

– How do we get there?

Knowing our goal is the first step, but we also have to discern how to get there. Sometimes, especially in the literal sense, a direct route is not the best or most practical way. When using Wayz, Google Maps, one’s Sat-Nav, GPS, or another (non) technical directional system, walking may well be a direct route to a destination. But it isn’t always the quickest way, or the most practical, depending on the occasion. In our studies, finances and other factors may obscure the direct path to our career goal, but we can’t permit the absence of the direct route to deter us. Like the GPS, we might need to reroute the path from time to time. And that’s okay, as long as our goal remains ahead.

On a spiritual dimension, we all ought to know our destination, Heaven. That place where Jesus abides. And today, Jesus tells us, as He told His disciples then, we know the way. He was absolutely correct, and still is. So there’s no need for meandering, as that’s a path full of distractions.

We turn to navigation systems for geographical directions, and teachers/ role models and college guides for career direction. In the same way, we know that the best, and most direct way to where Jesus is, is through Him. Since He is no longer with us in the very material physical sense, we use the two most excellent spiritual directional systems, God’s Spirit and God’s Word (the Bible). They offer safe, practical and direct routes to God, without loss of distractions.

God’s Word reveals the nature and mannerisms of God and Jesus. We get a sense of how they operate making it easier for us to know when God is speaking to us. The patterns tend to be the same, even if the method changes a bit. For Jesus, the image of God, is the same yesterday, today, and forever).

God’s Spirit dwells in us, at our invitation (once we’ve invited Jesus to take control of our lives), to guide us into the Truth (i.e., Jesus) and thus, towards God. Jesus is the One Who promised that God’s Spirit will guide us into all truth (see John 16:13). In 1 Kings, we’re told of the still, small voice speaking to Elijah – that was God’s Spirit.

When coupled with Prayer, our consultation of the Way, God’s Word and God’s Spirit reduce our chances of getting lost significantly. Because God’s Spirit is the most excellent tracking system ever, when we do get lost, one cry out to Jesus immediately begins to reroute us.

If Heaven and God’s will is our destination, then Jesus’ words hold true – we do know The Way. No need for meandering, we need only to tap into Him and the navigation system He’s promised, and following His way is easier.

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May all we seek be found in Christ