How do you find your way in the mazes of life? Jesus is most surely the answer, but as a child of God sometimes we lack direction and we are desperate for a voice to tell us where to go next. Sometimes, in the midst of the chaos, we choose worldly voices over heavenly voices. The Holy Spirit is guiding us, but our feelings are detouring us. We get in the way sometimes causing the light unto our path to flicker off until we are standing in the midst of a very dark and terrifying maze of trespasses, mistakes, and hopelessness.
When I was young I loved looking through the activity books that came in the birthday swag bags to find the MAZE! I liked the mazes way more than connect the dots or color by number. I wanted a challenge. Searching for the path was my fuel. Life is complicated like a maze. The challenges we face, the walls that block us from moving forward, and the detours that misdirect us all are Satan’s master plan to distract you off the lit path to your purpose and calling.
That’s where I started searching for a path that would lead me through the challenges, over the walls and around the detours to the final destination of God’s perfect plan and will. I want to call this the “Grace Path.”
It’s simple. I did a few things on my journey to find my way. I needed direction and His grace was there and sufficient for me. So this word Grace has five components that I feel like were pivotal in my journey.
Grace Path
G – Get Going – This step was the first stop because we all know how tough and mundane it becomes to get up early every morning knowing the circumstances that we may have to face. Every day is a choice for me. Raven, get out of bed and get yourself together. I can’t allow myself to wallow in shame, guilt, or negative thought patterns. That sinking thinking will disrupt and sometimes even shut down the gateway to the grace path.
R – Reach for excellence, not perfection – As a born perfectionist, I have always aimed for perfect every time. This is exhausting to my emotions, my spirit, and my family. If I don’t allow my weaknesses to shine, then I will burn out. But if I will reach for my best or excellence then I will burn up with new ideas, fire, and motivation. This means you have to let yourself off the hook sometimes. This does not mean you can be lazy but it means you have to let go of things you cannot control. Be okay with that. This is the toughest part of the grace path for me.
A – Act in love – Many times I saw myself operating out of anger. I wanted everyone around me to pay for the pain I felt deep inside. This was not okay. This is the place where God’s first and most important commandment came into play. Love others! Love them when you are angry. Love them when you are sad. Love them when you are confused. Love them when you disagree. Once you start loving people, the world around you becomes an easier place to abide and dine in. Why? Because now you are accomplishing the mission of the King. Not only are you on the path of Grace you are now carrying a torch to lead the way.
C – Create Fun – Here is where you need to let your hair down and enjoy. Yes, enjoy yourself. The path of Grace is not one where shame walks with you. No shame and fear are no longer there. The gift of creation was given to us by a God who saw greatness in us. He wants us to enjoy our lives. So create some fun with your family, create some fun moments with your spouse, create some fun with yourself even and don’t feel ashamed because you are laughing in the midst of a path that can sometimes seem discouraging. You are on your way to the finishing point!
E – Engage with God – This is the step every day we should revel in. This is the place where we will receive true freedom. Every day take some time to engage in a conversation with the King. Talk to Him as a friend. Give Him time to talk back and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. God always makes a way in the mazes we are in. This should be the place you find great comfort in. Engaging with God will encourage your inner being.
Psalm 23:3 He renews my strength, He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
RVN 